Wine Advocate (93-94)

A sweet, spicy profusion of cinnamon, ginger, cocoa powder, lily perfume, maraschino, and kirsch soars from the glass of Rouget 2006 Echezeaux, which comes to the palate with unexpected depth and richness of roasted meats, chalk, and saline savor, though to be sure, the bright red fruits and spices never flag. This is positively vibratory as well as riveting in its dynamic, oscillating finishing complexity. I'd give it 3-4 years head start and then plan to follow it for another decade.

Vintage Tastings (93)

There was one more Burgundy on our agenda, a 2003 Rouget Vosne Romanee Cros Parantoux. The Rouget had a deep, saucy, concentrated nose, again this grilled endive thing around a core of plum, cassis, soda and liqueur. It was a thick wine, and the second tasty 2003 Burg that I had had on this trip. It was really good, hedonistic and rich, long and concentrated, sweet and hearty, if anything a touch too sweet, but hey, that's 2003 (93).

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88-90)

Good full deep red. Smoky aromas of cherry, currant and iron, lifted by floral and mineral elements. Densely packed but closed, and distinctly dry after the Mazis and Latricieres. Cool flavors of dark berries, minerals and mint. Strong tannins coat the teeth and currently shorten the wine fruit. This was rather heavily extracted: like the Nuits Lavieres, it got a bit more pigeage

Vinous (94)

Impressively youthful saturated dark red color. Deep, brooding aromas of black fruits, violet, licorice and tobacco reminded me of Bordeaux, if not Pauillac. Hugely rich, tactile and mouthfilling, with its fleshy black cherry and violet flavors conveying a strong impression of inky depth without coming across as heavy. A classically dry, medicinal grand cru in a distinctly masculine style, this has the stuffing and structure to last 50 years. Spreads out horizontally on the back end, finishing with building ripe, dusty tannins and palate-staining length. Not the last word in finesse but this is an uncanny powerhouse of a Burgundy. Fans of the style may rate it even higher than I do. (13.2% alcohol; 3.33 pH; 3.6 g/l acidity)

Experience the tantalising allure of Ferraton Pere & Fils Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc Samorens 2002, an exceptional expression of classic Rhone Valley viticulture. Honed by the skilled hands of Michel Chapoutier, the Ferraton estate is renowned for their commitment to bio-dynamic and organic farming practices. This sumptuous white, cultivated in the heart of the Cotes-du-Rhone appellation, exhibits an invigorating balance of intensity and elegance.

An enchanting blend of diverse local grape varieties, including Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Roussanne, this 2002 vintage unfurls flavours with intricate layers of ripe white fruit, underscored by a charming minerality and vibrant acidity. Its cellar potential is exceptional, with the lush fruit complexity and intense mineral core deepening over time.

Revel in the brilliance of Ferraton Pere & Fils Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc Samorens 2002, a tribute to the dedicated craftsmanship and unique terroir of one of France's most esteemed wine regions.

James Suckling (95)

Interesting aromas of cedar, tobacco, dark fruits, cinnamon, and cigar box. Full and solid, with chewy tannins. A very direct, straight, and pure wine with lovely freshness. This is starting to close, give this some time.

James Suckling (98)

The aromas in this are amazing, with blueberries, blackberries and fresh mushrooms. Black olives. So aromatic. Full-bodied, with super velvety tannins and lovely depth of ripe fruit. Balanced. Wild flavors on the finish of, meat, berries and forest fruits. Hints of decadence. 33% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon. Best Figeac ever. Try after 2020.

Savour the rich legacy of this esteemed vintage, the Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 1990. Crafted under the meticulous eye of Emmanuel Reynaud, fourth generation winemaker, this wine is testament to the famed terroir of the Rhone Valley in France. Epitomising traditional winemaking processes, each bunch is hand-harvested, naturally fermented, and barrel-aged to create a unique symphony of flavours. The Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 1990 is a provocative blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes, inducing landscapes of raspberry and blackberry fruits, supported by gentle spicy undertones.

This critically acclaimed vintage is known for its sophistication and longevity, with ripe tannins and a complex, vibrant finish. The Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 1990 is an iconic testament to purity and tradition, a wine that reflects the rich heritage of meticulously maintained vineyards and a family’s devotion to crafting excellence.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87-90)

Three compnents tasted from barrel. Cinsault: Perfumed strawberry, smoke and game aroma. Intensely flavored, ripe and firm, with good acidity and finesse for '97. Grenache: Deeper red. Spicy cherry aroma. Fairly large-scaled but juicy. Plenty of palate presence. Another sample of grenache, at 15% alcohol: Riper red fruit, smoke and pepper aromas. Fatter and sweeter. Bigger tannic structure but less finesse. Should make a very rich Côtes du Rhône.

Vinous (92)

Vivid red. Spicy raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by incense, lavender and pungent herbs. Pliant red fruit flavors are deepened by candied licorice and bitter chocolate, with bright acidity adding lift. The tightly focused, energetic, impressively persistent finish leaves tangy mineral and bitter cherry skin notes behind.

Halliday Wine Companion (94)

Dense stygian colour; top example of a full-bodied McLaren Vale loaded with blackberry fruit and dark chocolate, yet not hot or heavy; good extract and oak.

Vinous (87)

Rather odd aromas of pepper, herbs, asparagus and horseradish. Then full, layered and sweet in the mouth, but with an intrusive vegetal quality hiding the site character. Tannins are nicely ripe. Roumier had to use commercial yeast skins to finish a stuck fermentation. He admits that the yeasts brought a foreign flavor to the wine, and he fined and coarsely filtered it prior to bottling. Still, he believes this Amoureuses will be better for time in bottle. We shall see.

Wine Advocate (90-91)

Like the rest of the wines here at the time I tasted, Roumier’s 2005 Morey St. Denis Clos de la Bussiere had been sulfured and racked in autumn after a very late malo and was in barrel awaiting imminent assemblage in tank for (unfiltered) bottling. It was slightly reduced but responded well to a good shaking, displaying subtle black fruits, high-toned almond and maraschino, roasted meatiness, resin, and forest floor notes on the nose. It fills the mouth with roasted meat richness, bitter-sweet black fruits, high-toned distilled fruit esters, and finishes with solidity, grip, and savory saltiness.

Vinous (94)

The 2016 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Clos de la Bussière is tightly-wound on the nose with blackberry, raspberry, hints of singed leather and spice. I appreciate the delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, a fine bead of acidity, chalky in texture with a grip and certainly impressive focus on the finish. This is an excellent Morey-Saint-Denis. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting.

Celebrate a touch of timeless Italy with the illustrious Giordano Barolo 1971. Authentically crafted in the traditional method in Italy's distinguished Barolo region, known as the "King of Wines and Wine of Kings", the Giordano Barolo 1971 thoroughly represents the finesse and grace of this historic vintage year.

Hailing from the lauded winemaker, Giordano Vini, located in the heart of the Langhe region, this wine boasts a noteworthy pedigree, synonymous with superior Italian wit and craftsmanship. Exhibiting an unrivaled depth, the full-bodied, vibrant red has been adored for its pronounced scents of cherry liqueur, rose petal, and autumn leaves, framed on the palate by rich tobacco and truffle notes.

Matured over the years in the Giordano cellars, the Giordano Barolo 1971 unfurls a strikingly complex, harmonious character, certain to leave a lingering taste of elegance with every imbiber. This esteemed expression, soaked in rich Italian heritage, is the epitome of fine wine.

Wine Enthusiast (94)

After initial tastings suggested there was too much tannin, the wine has undergone a welcome transformation. It has become powerful and ripe, deliciously sumptuous, allying the tannins with densely ripe, sweet black fruits. It keeps its sense of balance, but all this density gives aging potential.

Vinous (94)

Our first flight showcases two fabulous 2008 Barolos, wines from a vintage that continues to impress. The Barolo Brunate (formerly Brunate-Le Coste) gets most of the attention at Rinaldi. I am curious to see how the Cannubi S. Lorenzo-Ravera is holding up. The answer is very well. Bright, linear and focused, in the style of the year, the Cannubi S. Lorenzo-Ravera is fabulous. It is perhaps a bit more austere than its sibling, but that just adds to its super-classic feel. I love the energy here.

Stepping into the world of exceptional varietals, Glandien L'Ouverture Blanc 2022 offers a fine wine experience quite unparalleled. Nestled in the renowned wine regions of France, each bottle captures the essence of the edaphic harmony the vineyard mirrors. As a product of the esteemed producer, this extraordinary wine goes through a meticulous and precise cold fermentation process, embracing traditional winemaking methods to conjure its distinct elegance.

The Glandien L'Ouverture Blanc 2022 flaunts a captivating brilliance with its crisp and vibrant flavours, enriched by the unique terroir of its birthplace. Boasting a rich blend of Chardonnay and Sémillon grapes, it exudes a complex structure and delivers a harmonious balance between acidity and sweetness. Its creamy texture and well-rounded finish are hallmarks of Glandien's expert craftsmanship, making it an exquisite inclusion into a discerning connoisseur's collection.

Experience the passion and precision poured in every bottle of this timeless vintage, a testament to Glandien's commitment to superior quality and magnificent flavour profiles.

James Suckling (94)

Rich and decadent on the nose, with exotic fruits, spices and incense. Full body, with so much wonderful chocolate, fruit and velvety tannins. It's a joy to taste now, but will give even more pleasure in years to come. Best ever from here and one of the best values of the vintage. Try after 2018.

Wine Advocate (95)

The 2000 Château Grand Puy Lacoste is an exceptional wine from Xavier Borie. It has a brilliant nose of blackberry, crushed stone, graphite and cedar. Putting it to one side for ten to 15 minutes reveals subtle mint-like aromas that whisk you straight to Pauillac. The palate is smooth and silky, cloaking the tannic frame of this GPL so that you barely notice it. But that will stand it in good stead for the long-term, the cornerstone of all great wines from this estate. Then there is that hint of spice on the aftertaste—the show ain't over yet. Served alongside a magnum of Pichon Baron 2000, I would say that at the moment, it does not quite possess the same level of precision. However, it remains a magnificent Pauillac to cherish long-term. Tasted January 2016.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2009 Grand Puy Lacoste is one of the great vintages from this estate in the modern era. It storms from the glass with scents of blackberry, undergrowth, cedar and mint, retaining the classicism of GPL. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious with a gorgeous, lithe, graphite infused finish that lingers in the mouth. Bon vin. Tasted blind at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting.

Wine Spectator (95-100)

Pure cassis and raspberry sauce with vanilla. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a finish that lasts a very long time. Awesome wine. This is very close in quality to the 2000. Score range: 95-100

Wine Spectator (94-97)

Beautiful aromas of currant, black licorice and blueberry follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long, juicy finish. Big wine. Could be better than the classic 2000. Score range: 94-97 -JS

James Suckling (95-96)

Full-bodied, layered and juicy young wine. Very tannic yet ripe and intense. Powerful finish. This will be excellent. Better than the 2015.

Wine Spectator (92)

Blackberry, licorice, plum and leather aromas mark this dense, brooding red. The tannins are more assertive, suggesting the extraction was greater. In the end, this seems either too oaky or too extracted, finishing on the dry side. Best from 2015 through 2032. 290 cases made. -BS

Wine Advocate (93)

Tasted at the château, the 1986 Haut Brion is a vintage that I had not tasted for some time. It is a blend of 28% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 62% Cabernet Sauvignon according to the chateau's records. Mirroring the 1996 La Mission, in this vintage that Haut-Brion occupies a higher quality level, with more complexity and vivacity on the nose: dusky black fruit, warm gravel, terracotta and cigar humidor. Lovely! The palate is very well balanced, maybe a little rustic compared to recent vintages, yet with firm body and grip. It's the kind of gruff, almost surly, broad-shouldered 1986s that might be a little curmudgeonly compared to 1985 or 1989, however after 30 years you are compensated with plenty of freshness and focus. I don't think it ranks up there with the best of the First Growth...that would come in other vintages, but it still provides plenty of drinking pleasure for those who love their classic claret with capital C. Tasted July 2016.