 Dense, bright ruby. Nose of tobacco, sweet cassis, smoky, toasty oak and violet scents. Tannins silky in the mouth, firmer on the finish. Feels almost weightless in the mouth, despite 14% alcohol. Long, fine-grained, tannic, tobaccoey finish. Very good. Lovely ethereal quality to this. 57% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc. 59% of production into the grand vin. Drink 2016-51.
 Warm cedar, tobacco, intense yet elegant, intriguing, stylish. Soft, rich, full-bodied, cedar flavours developing. Textured tannins, well balanced. Good length. Drink 5-10 years.
BBR, DrO, Evy, F&R
Warm cedar, tobacco, intense yet elegant, intriguing, stylish. Soft, rich, full-bodied, cedar flavours developing. Textured tannins, well balanced. Good length. Drink 5-10 years.
BBR, DrO, Evy, F&R
Huge colour, really wonderful smooth, velvety depth, a thoroughly hedonistic nose, voluptuous and seductive fruit, shows excellent ripeness and opulence, but with ripe tannins for balance. Drink 2008-25. (Tasted en primeur)
Ant, BBR, Bdl, Evy, F&R, Far, JBe, MFW, Mls, Tur, WLW
Sweet, ripe, plummy nose, has charm and elegance, smoky oak. Rich, juicy, bright fruit, vivid and vigorous, fresh, enjoyable, balanced. Good length. Drink 2-5 years.
Mature fruit aromas. A brilliant Margaux. Luscious, succulent style. Tannins there, but fruit big enough to balance them. Drink 5-10 years.
BBR, Far, Gdh, J&B, L&W, Lai, Lay, May, N&P
Quite good for the vintage but another difficult year. Notes of red berry fruit and wax on the nose. Palate quite generous with some sweetness,less hardness than 1993. Drink now-2010.
Equally good but a contrasting style. Tight, minerally bouquet. A touch backward and austere on the palate but firm and powerfully structured. Long, fresh and linear with balance and reserve. Drink 2005-2025.
In 1997 Stephen Brook said of the classic 62, 'big waxy botrytis nose, classic, wonderfully clean fruit with no marmalade tones; lush, rounded, silky, spicy, fine texture, beautifully balanced, mature, just a hint of tar on finish, impeccable; excellent l
Robust rather than elegant. A meaty, dried fruit nose. Medium to full palate with freshness. Tannins a little angular and dry on the finish.
Transitional to the modern style. A clear minerally nuance. Medium to full bodied, ample texture, tannins more grainy, clean fresh finish. Drink 2005-2025.
Impressive for the vintage. Less extract than 1998-2000 but attractive fruit, reserved with a note of vanilla oak and a minerally edge. Palate medium bodied and finely balanced. Drink 2004-2020.
Rich, ripe vintage. The archetype for modern-day Ausone. Plenty of depth and reserve on the nose, with notes of dark and dried fruits. Warm, rich and generous on the palate with a sweetness of fruit and long finish. Drink now-2025.
Powerful, brooding wine. Intense but closed on the nose with just a hint of chocolatey oak. Rich and intense on the palate, loads of extract, tannins firm, long, fresh finish. Drink 2008-2035.
As elsewhere in Bordeaux a light vintage. Definite herbaceous/green pepper edge on the nose and palate. Medium body. Some hardness on the finish. Drink now-2010.
Softer, more open style than later vintages. Nose shows some signs of evolution, with caramel, red berry fruits, mint and tobacco leaf. Sweet attack, quite forward compared with the 1996. Drink now-2020.
The epitome of modern Ausone. Superb bouquet of dark fruits, spice and quality toasted oak - almost exotic. Sweet, smooth attack with a hint of overripeness. Tannins present but finely honed. Seductive style. Drink 2007-2030.
Rich ripe nose with a hint of spice. Intense and long on the palate with fine tannins and soft fruit. Elegance and power combined. Drink 2010-2040. (cask sample)
Ant, BBR, Bdl, C&R, Evy, Far, N&P
Full, intense colour, nose still very concentrated, masses of intense, tobacco-y fruit, densely packed, very ripe tannins, but all a bit massive, just lacks the finesse of Pichon-Baron, but a very fine long-term Pauillac. Ready 2008-2025. (tasted en prime
Aly, Far, Mls
Huge colour, as expected, and very dense right to the rim, masses of blackcurrant fruit, very ripe, almost soft and sweet it is so ripe, but lifted by elegant tannins, not obvious concentration in the Lynch-Bages style, but rich, violetty elegance. Very g
BBR, C&R, F&R, Far, Hba, N&P
Deep red; powerful new oak on nose, rather raw now; rich, dense, woody, chunky, robust, has depth but a slight bitter tone which should disappear with ageing, good acidity and length.
Deep red; sweet dense oaky nose; medium-bodied, juicy, forward, spicy, touch dry from the oak, but sound for 1993; quite good length.
Deep ruby; sweet oaky nose, rather closed, minty; soft, silky, rich, very ripe tannins, elegant, a lean style but very good indeed; excellent length, fine potential.
Deep red; relatively light nose, tobacco, almost gamy, well integrated oak, opened in glass; medium-bodied, spicy, quite concentrated, chocolatey and somewhat lacking in acidity and opulence; quite good length.
Firm deep ruby; sweet ripe nose, a touch jammy, quite oaky, becomes more sumptuous with aeration; rich, firm, very concentrated, plenty of extract, fine acidity too, still tannic but very elegant; good length, superb potential.
Fairly deep red; sweet elegant oaky nose, menthol; medium-bodied, fleshy, a bit stringy but balanced, light spiciness, not bad for the vintage; medium length.
Deep red; elegant cedary nose, splendid fruit; rich, firm, supple, ample tannin, concentrated, youthful and vigorous; good length.
Very deep red; sweet new oak nose, cloves; soft, plump, fairly dense, not very complex, has a slightly green edge on the finish; medium length.
Fairly deep red; sweet ripe fleshy nose, elegant but a touch light; soft, rounded, plump, little discernible tannin though it has grip, supple, forward; quite good length.
Very deep red; quite woody nose, touch of liquorice, fruit masked by oak; lean but tightly structured, a touch raw and aggressive, doesn't seem exceptionally ripe; quite good length.
Deep red but distinctly mature on rim; sweet mature cedary nose, cigar-box, cloves; soft, sweet fruit, almost cloying, lacks some vigour and concentration, figgy, very evolved; drink soon; medium length.
Fairly deep red, light browning on edges but still bright; elegant dense nose, lean, minty, cedary; soft, intense, still some tannin but not aggressive, graceful, mature flavours but youthful structure, balanced and pure; very good length.
Straw-gold; apricot and mandarin nose; very sweet, supple, juicy, rather thick, spicy, creamy but not yet harmonious; quite good length.
medium straw; muted nose, touch of iodine; very sweet, concentrated, spicy, fine acidity, delicious primary fruit; good length.
Straw-gold; powerful oaky nose, wood dominating fruit now; rich, full-bodied, oaky, rounded, a lot of alcohol and rather heavy; quite good length.
Yellow-gold; rich hefty botrytis nose, smoky and almost tarry, yet elegant; rich, creamy, very sweet, tarry, cloying, needs more zest and acidity; quite good length.
Light yellow-gold; delicate nose, almost citric, apricots, has botrytis but lacks a little intensity; soft, sweet, intense, lemony, elegant, lacks some depth and richness, rather one-dimensional, high acidity and will improve; quite good length.
Light gold; dried apricot nose, toffee apple; quite rich, a touch sappy but reasonable concentration, good acidity, fine but not great; quite good length.
Gold; muted apricot nose, lean, elegant; soft, very sweet, lacks complexity, attractive but simple, spicy finish; good length.
Gold; smoky dried-apricot nose; soft, quite rich, velvety, not especially sweet but harmonious and quite concentrated; quite good length.
Medium gold; lush nose, quite raisiny, apricots; rich, firm, marmaladey, lacks a little sumptuousness but has freshness and elegance instead; quite good length.
Medium gold; sweet intense nose, raisiny, caramel; very sweet, tarry, intense, high acidity, not complex but persistent; excellent length.
Deep ruby; rather muted nose; soft, rich, spicy, plenty of stuffing and tannin, a bit awkward; medium length.
Fairly deep red; very charming nose; soft, plump, light tannin, earthy, has some bite and a chocolatey finish; medium length.
Deep red; lean assertive Cabernet nose, herbal, smoky; medium-bodied, fresh, charming, lacks weight and persistence but a fine Graves; quite good length.
Deep red, some maturity; sweet charming supple nose, oaky; rich, supple, not hugely concentrated but stylish and subtle, has fair acidity and considerable charm; quite good length.
Deep red; dense chocolatey nose; quit rich, fine acidity, concentrated, surprisingly good and vigorous for the vintage; quite good length.
Deep ruby; light nose; quite rich, medium-bodied, tannic, reasonable concentration, lacks verve; medium length.
Fairly deep red; firm cabernet nose, lacks charm; rather hard, austere, reasonable fruit, earthy; rather short.
Fairly deep red; indistinct nose; attractive fruit, rather light and dilute for the vintage, pleasant but undistinguished; rather short.
Deep red, some maturity; lovely sweet smoky nose; sweet, intense, by no means tiring, powerful and concentrated, a touch dry now but vinous and with remarkable freshness; quite good length.
Medium-deep brick-red; sweet nose, a touch mushroomy, delicate, cedary, attractive; decidedly light, almost astringent, weedy, lacks vigour and seems past its best; fairly short.
Deep red, some brick tones; sweet ripe cedary nose, elegant; soft, quite rich, good depth of flavour, medium-bodied but holding up well, not complex but has good balance, very attractive; quite good length.
Deep red, some maturity; very ripe cedary nose, quite intense, elegant, slightly smoky, complex; soft, quite good acidity, minty, spicy, lively, still fresh and vigorous, elegant; good length.
Deep brownish red; pallid nose, leafy, mature; stalky, a touch green, charmless, lacks concentration and depth, rather dry as fruit is fading; fairly short.
Deep red, some maturity on rim; discreet aromas, lightly cedary; rich, severe, still quite tannic, a touch baked and solid; quite good length.
Deep red; some sweet oak on nose; light, lacks concentration, slightly dry and full with a short finish. Disappointing, even for 1993.
Deep red; sweet ripe oaky nose, elegant; soft, rich, quite concentrated, fine fruit, elegant rather than powerful, minty aftertaste; quite good length.
Deep red, some maturity; sweet leafy nose, stylish, minty; medium-bodied, a touch light but flavoury and delicate, quite good acidity, attractive, easygoing for 1988; medium length. Drinking well now.
Fairly deep red; oaky and still youthful nose; rich, ripe, elegant, developing cedary tones, not very concentrated and soon ready to drink. But fleshy and delicious.
Fairly deep red, mature on rim; sweet charming delicate nose; soft, light, rather simple, lacks structure and beginning to fade; drink soon.
Deep red; sweet ripe elegant nose; medium-bodied but ripe, lively acidity, balanced, peppery; quite good length.
Deep red; fine elegant minty nose, very Cabernet; rich, concentrated, has depth, full, classic St Julien, tannic but not hard; good length.
Deep red; sweet dense oaky nose, quite elegant; rich, voluptuous, forward, fruit and tannin in balance, chocolate and blackberry tones, vigorous, good potential for 1993; quite good length.
Deep red; closed nose; loose, simple, almost green, rather hard-edged, some bitter tannins; medium length.
Deep red; rich, slightly cedary nose; quite rich but rather hollow on mid-palate, supple, hint of bitterness on finish; quite good length.
Deep red; rather light nose, minty; rich, rounded, not especially concentrated, chocolatey and complex
Deep red, some maturity; vanilla and blackcurrant on nose, blackberries too; lean, dominated by acidity, not sure it has the fruit to round out the wine with further ageing, spicy, an austere St Julien; quite good length.
Fairly deep red, some maturity; fine cedary nose, elegant, figgy; still has some tannin and bite, a note of austerity here, less elegant than nose, muscular for 1979; quite good length.
Very deep red; ripe firm nose, intense, minty; rich, supple, not that tannic, full- bodied, spicy, should develop complexity; quite good length. Fine quality.
Very deep red; firm stylish nose, new oak, shapely and classy; medium-bodied, lacks a little weight and has quite high acidity, greener than nose suggests; medium length.
Deep red; fine elegant oaky nose, if a bit light; soft, light, quite tannic, well made but undernourished; quite good length.
Very deep red; sweetish but stalky nose, oak masking some unripe fruit; rather drab, chunky, no finesse, high acidity, a bit green; medium length.
Deep red; light plummy nose, quite oaky, a touch of elegance; soft, loosely structured, pleasant and easygoing, lacks vigour, a routine effort for 1988; fairly short.
Fairly deep ruby; lovely ripe stylish nose; soft, rounded, lacks some grip but stylish and almost ready; quite good length.
Fairly deep red, some maturity; light oaky nose, lacks character; light, loose, dour, dull, drying out.
Fairly deep red; sweet ripe elegant nose; soft, quite rich and supple, lacks concentration, well balanced with a light backbone of tannin but little complexity or depth; medium length, drink soon.
Deep red; severe oaky nose; rich, austere,. Quite tannic, doesn't taste especially ripe, rather charmless; medium length.
Very deep red; big fleshy oaky nose, impressive fruit; rich, concentrated, tight, rather high acidity and thus a hint of astringency, not completely in balance; quite good length.
Deep red; sweet upfront vanilla nose, oaky and elegant; medium-bodied, vibrant but not very concentrated, lively if undernourished; quite good length, dry tannic finish.
Very deep red; sweet rather jammy nose, elegant; soft, medium-bodied, fleshy, lacks some grip and structure, a bit jammy; quite good length, with a chewy finish.
Deep red; sweet jammy oaky nose; soft, rich succulent, but odd edgy acidity follows, oaky, tannic, with a bracing austere finish; good length. Needs time.
Deep red; lush luxuriant oaky nose, sweet, opulent, and ultra-ripe; rich, ripe, concentrated, delicious, lovely fleshy texture, spicy, complex, very stylish with a hint of truffle, spice, and coffee, ripe tannins; very good length, sweet finish.
Fairly deep red; discreet nose, a lot of oak, mint and vanilla; rich, full-bodied, succulent, concentrated, quite tannic, peppery, spicy; good length.
Deep red; sweet voluptuous chocolatey nose, classic Cheval Blanc, ripe and charming, cloves, smoke, a lot of oak; plump, rich, concentrated, tannic, chocolatey, tight, fine acidity, elegant, a hint of dryness on finish; good length.
Very deep red, some maturity; warm rich cedary nose, plump, excellent oaky fruit, great charm too; soft, quite rich, spicy, minty, still quite tannic, a touch of austerity but elegantly structured and has fine potential; good length.
Fairly deep red, some maturity; sweet cedary nose, quite minty, restrained and elegant; elegant, concentrated, good depth, very fine balance, not much weight but stylish, very fresh; good length.
Deep red; discreet aromas; medium-bodied, a bit dilute, rather dull, robust and quite tannic; medium length.
Deep ruby; rich succulent nose, quite mineral Cabernet character; soft, rich, dense, plenty of ripe tannin, fine depth and potential; good length.
Very deep red; sweet dense nose, a lot of oak; medium-bodied, stylish, vigorous, lacks some depth and weight but balanced; good length.
Deep red; sweetish nose, reserved; soft, rounded, silky, but has tannic backbone, austere finish, not fully ready; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; light nose; light, rounded, well balanced, good fruit if little depth or complexity, well made; fully ready; medium length.
Fairly deep robust red; sweet ripe elegant Cabernet nose, oaky; quite rich, good concentration, well balanced, youthful and more vigorous than 1982, tight, drinking well now but will hold; quite good length.
Deep plum-red; sweet rich supple nose, quite elegant; soft, medium-bodied, quite lush, spicy, not much weight or complexity, quite oaky, ready; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet elegant nose, ripe and charming; soft, rounded, a touch of astringency but still retains freshness, not weighty but quite elegant and well balanced; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; firm oaky Cabernet nose; soft, fairly rich, a touch dry and charmless on finish; quite good length.
Fairly deep to deep red; succulent nose, quite oaky, good supple fruit here; pleasant fruit on palate but soft and dilute, lacks grip, light spiciness; quite good length.
Yellow straw; oddly herbaceous nose, lemony, smoky, lacks some freshness; soft, rounded, quite rich, almost fat, spicy, delicious, good extract, much better than nose; very good length, long lemony finish.
Deep red; light nose, quite oaky; soft, easygoing, lacks grip, charmless, simple; medium length.
Deep red; lovely rich oaky nose, austere, becoming cedary; rich, soft, plump, beginning to open up, ripe tannins, concentrated with good extract, chewy finish but not tough; good length.
Deep red, some maturity; dense cedary nose, elegant, leafy; lean, fresh, lively, no blockbuster but vigorous, meaty, slightly austere tannins; quite good length.
Fairly deep to deep red; lovely nose, vibrant Cabernet fruit, sweet and ripe; delicate, elegant, light tannins, medium-bodied, just starting to dry out; medium length.
Medium straw; rich melony nose, quite honeyed; soft, medium-bodied, attractive creamy fruit but does lack some concentration, good acidity and has some charm, but not at present a great Coutet; quite good length.
Medium straw; discreet nose, lemon and apricot, quite elegant; medium-bodied, fresh, creamy, quite concentrated and powerful but lacks complexity; quite good length
Straw-gold; firm oaky nose, rich and ripe; soft, plump, rich, concentrated, a lot of oak, spicy, very good for the vintage; good length.
Yellow-gold; lovely botrytis nose, citric, apricots, very fresh, a hint of volatility; very sweet, elegant, intense, high acidity, lean, racy, very concentrated, spicy, citric; very good length.
Full straw colour; muted nose, dried apricots; rich, soft, creamy, not especially sweet, has some botrytis and quite concentrated, fair acidity; medium length.
Gold; fairly rich nose, not that much botrytis, cardboardy; very sweet, intense, lean, racy, lacks some richness and depth, but elegant and has good acidity, again that cardboardy tone either from filtration or sulphur; quite good length.
Full orange-gold; sweet, slightly sharp marmalade nose; quite rich, slightly astringent marmalade flavours, creamy texture; very good length but a hot finish.
Pale colour for age, lively gold, some herby oxidation on the nose, much more Semillon than Sauvignon in style, fine, firm fruit, acidity quite marked, a fine classic white Graves.
Very deep red; sweet succulent nose, cassis, fine cabernet fruit, elegant; rich, very concentrated, fine lift to it, pure Cabernet fruit, minty, intense, ripe tannins, excellent balance with an oaky finish; good length.
Very deep red; a lot of oak on the nose, chocolate, damsons; quite rich and extracted but dour, rather hard and brutal, little elegance, even a touch under-ripe; medium length.
Gold; rich supple waxy nose, developed honeyed aromas with aeration; fresh, quite concentrated, spicy, lively acidity, not a lot of botrytis, lively finish; quite good length.
Gold; honeyed nose, has botrytis, dried apricots; lush, supple, full-bodied, remarkable for the vintage, good acidity yet a touch broad; good length.
F&R
Gold; gorgeous honeyed peachy nose, hint of marmalade; sweet, silky, delicious and elegant, concentrated, creamily rich and honeyed, peachy, spicy and vigorous; good length.
Yellow gold; muted nose, a touch of botrytis; soft, sweet, simple, rather loose, high acidity, no stuffing, alive but not going anywhere; medium length.
Yellow-gold; closed nose; soft, almost plump, some richness and spiciness, persistent flavours, remarkable for the vintage; quite good length..
Gold; some botrytis on the nose, slightly hard-edged; rich, rounded, good depth, spicy, good acidity, apricots, ripe, not a big wine, lacks excitement; quite good length.
Yellow gold; cardboardy nose, little botrytis; soft, rich, a bit leaden despite good acidity, lacks complexity; medium length.
Yellow gold; sweetish apricot nose, some discreet charm; dull, loose, unstructured, slight bitterness and astringency, a bit coarse; medium length.
Medium gold; fresh nose, some botrytis with a twist of lemon; sweet, silky, no blockbuster, quite concentrated, lively acidity, fine balance, lightly peachy, perfect now; quire good length.
Deep red; closed nose, oak dominates at present; quite rich, toasty, good concentration, chewy, quite high acidity, still closed; quite good length.
Deep red; sweet succulent oaky nose, rather muted, smoky; rich, sumptuous, mouth-filling, fine concentration, spicy, vanilla aftertaste, classic and persistent; good length.
Very deep red; rich dense chocolatey nose, firm and rather closed, oaky, excellent aromatic potential; soft, rich, succulent, silky, seductive with considerable depth, fine acidity and finesse, chocolatey finish; good length.
Fairly deep red; stylish cedary nose, vanilla, lively; fairly light, elegant, lacks concentration, ready to drink; medium length.
Fairly deep red; light Cabernet nose, a bit neutral; soft, rounded, slightly tough backbone and rather neutral in flavour, yet surprisingly robust with good concentration; quite good length.
Very deep red; dense plummy nose, touch of chocolate, a lot of oak; rich, fat, creamy, concentrated, firm tannins, brambly, still closed but excellent brooding fruit, fine potential, complex damsony finish; very good length.
Fairly deep red; light nose, very oaky for the fruit; medium-bodied, oaky, lacks body and middle palate, a bit raw, lacks class and vigour, perhaps going through an awkward phase; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; reserved nose, sweetish, a touch chocolatey; rich, full-bodied, elegant but less rich and complex than expected, light tannins; good length.
Fairly deep red, some maturity; rich dense nose, slightly basked, oaky; rich, dense, plump, tannic, fine depth and concentration, a touch baked and lacking in elegance, robust, well balanced, accessible; good length.
Deep red; sweet elegant liquorice nose, cedary, lovely fruit; silky, seductive, delicious fruit, quite concentrated, chocolatey finish, great charm; quite good length, ready to drink.
Fairly deep red; light caramel nose, not very pleasant; light, juicy, simple, with a very aftertaste, past whatever was its best; medium length.
Deep red, some maturity; fine elegant cappuccino nose; soft, plump, lush, still some tannin and spice, concentrated, delicious; good length. But tasted again in 99, it had much less grip and length.
Deep red; lovely nose, supple, seductive, smoky, blackberries and coffee; rich, slightly austere, concentrated, bitter chocolate tones, lacks some acidity; good length.
Medium straw; rich ripe nose, elegant, quite powerful; quite rich, supple and unusually broad for Climens, more concentrated than it appears, quite of lot of alcohol and power, fine extract, promising; good length.
Medium straw; oily nose, touch of iodine; medium-bodied, creamy, good fruit but seems to lack some verve and complexity, fresh but not that vigorous; medium length.
Medium straw; sumptuous nose, almost oily, oaky; soft, rounded, not that concentrated, attractive fruit, not showing well now; medium length.
Straw-gold; closed nose, quite oaky; medium-bodied, creamy, spicy, concentrated, fine acidity but slightly bitter dry finish; quite good length.
Medium yellow-straw; lovely oaky nose, spicy, lemony botrytis; soft, sweet, concentrated, silky, spicy, perfect balance, a touch dry from oak but superb for the vintage; very good length.
Light gold; vibrant oaky nose with citric edge, classy and lively, no heaviness, almost flowery; sweet, lean, finely honed, not a lush style, excellent acidity, concentrated and very well balanced, mandarins and apricots; excellent length.
Yellow-gold; rich botrytis nose, peachy, impeccably elegant; rich, creamy, very concentrated, good depth, quite oaky, sleek, apricots; very good length.
Straw; elegant botrytis nose, peaches, not overblown; lean, elegant, youthful, delicate apricot fruit, discreet, delicious; good length.
Yellow-gold; hefty oaky nose, powerful but lacks some finesse; fat, rich, ample botrytis underpinned by fine acidity and extract, spicy, oaky aftertaste; excellent length.
Gold; rich Semillon nose, some botrytis; not very sweet but silky, underpowered, drying out, slightly bitter finish; quite good length
Light yellow-gold; ripe but slightly grassy nose dominated by Sauvignon, floral, peachy; lovely fruit, elegant, delicious, finely balanced, plenty of extract, vivid and fresh; good length.
Medium straw; firm botrytis nose, quite powerful; broad, a touch blowsy, orangey, lacks grip and concentration, reasonable fruit but no finesse; medium length.
Gold; oily oaky aromas; soft, quite sweet, lacks botrytis and thus complexity, quite good acidity; medium length.
Light gold; elegant spicy nose, herbaceous, slightly varnishy, petrolly; medium-bodied, lively, fresh, quite creamy, stylish, lacks some concentration, smoky, slightly citric, not especially sweet; quite good length.
Full gold; honeyed nose, rather baked, peachy botrytis; soft but burnt, a touch of oxidation, rather coarse and alcoholic, blowsy, beginning to fall apart; quite good length. Other bottles similar.
Bright gold; beautiful aromas, elegant, honeyed, smoky; soft, not too sweet, fine balance and acidity, creamy texture, classic, with a spicy finish; good length. But other bottles have been less intense.
Very deep red; surprisingly jammy nose; soft and medium-bodied, lacks mid-palate, quite good acidity, moves to a light tannic finish, no weight and little elegance; medium length.
Deep ruby; muted nose, just about ripe; soft, rounded, lacks grip, reasonable chocolatey fruit but lacks structure, an honourable effort for the year, fairly abrupt finish; medium length.
Deep red; light but fragrant nose, a touch stalky; rounded, chunky, atypically coarse, light but hard tannins, rather dour; medium length.
Fairly deep red; sweet cedary nose, classic St Julien, elegant and discreet; rich, firm, robust, still fairly closed, a bit chunky, needs time; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; light sweet elegant nose, has charm; rather light and simple, light tannin, pleasant but perhaps over-extracted for the fruit; medium length.
Deep red, some maturity; superb nose, cedary, rich, gamy, classic, ripe and seductive; very ripe, concentrated, spicy, elegant, good acidity, lean aftertaste, classic, quite tannic, still needs time; good length.
Firm red with no browning; minty nose, rather dumb, elegant rather than powerful; formidable on palate, with firm tannin and not a great deal of fruit, rather charmless; medium length.
Fairly deep red, some maturity; light elegant leafy nose, frail; light, faded, not old or oxidised but lacks richness; medium length.
Very deep red, some maturity on rim; sumptuous nose, yet discreet; soft, very rich, concentrated, plush tannins, gorgeous fruit, good acidity, impeccable balance and fruit; good length.
Deep garnet-red, considerable maturity; nose lacks fruit definition; rich, chunky, not much structure here, meaty but no finesse, good concentration but earthy; quite good length.
Very deep red, healthy; firm, slightly woody nose; sweetish, a touch flat and dull, a hint of woodiness, not tired but the fruit is muted, reasonably concentrated; quite good length. (A second bottle denser and more concentrated.)
Fairly deep brick-red; sweet lush cedary nose, tremendous ripeness and intensity; very sweet and concentrated, rich, minty, lively, fresh, chocolatey, superb; very good length.
Very deep red; splendid nose of cassis and new oak, sumptuous, elegant; rich, dense, very concentrated, soft tannins, lush but stylish, possibly lacks a little verve but delicious; quite good length.
Deep red; ripe oaky nose, plump, vanilla; firm, robust, medium-bodied, still a bit austere, concentrated, needs time; good length.
Fairly deep red; blunt cedary nose, rich in fruit if a touch earthy; firm, rich, delicious, balanced, concentrated, emerging from its more surly youth, fine acidity, splendid wine; quite good length.
Fairly deep red, little maturity; ripe firm nose, touch of liquorice, stylish; soft, plump, quite concentrated, still youthful, well balanced, discreet but holding up nicely, lacks flair but classic; medium length.
Very deep red; something slightly musty on the nose; tart sour tones mar this wine, not entirely clean, lush but seems out of condition; quite good length. 2 bottles identical. Hope these are atypical.
Deep red; sweet oaky nose, elegant, dominated by new oak; soft, rich, highly concentrated, tight, lush, delicious, great intensity, very youthful with ripe tannins; good length.
Deep red; very oaky nose; rich, sumptuous, silky, very concentrated, splendid depth and balance but a lot of oak; very good length.
Fairly deep red; fresh but very oaky nose; medium-bodied, fairly light for 1986 but still has some tannin behind it, gains weight with aeration; quite good length.
Deep red, some maturity; lively elegant nose, oak, cloves, nutmeg, became sweeter with aeration; medium-bodied, lush, fine acidity, dense, almost peppery, stylish, still fresh and concentrated with fine balance; good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet minty nose, oaky, lean; soft, rich, quite concentrated, spicy but lacks middle, hint of capsicum; medium length.
Deep red; sweet rich oaky nose; quite rich, austere, woody, strong dour bitter tones (TCA infection?). Harsh finish; quite good length.
Deep red, hint of maturity; firm nose, very Cabernet, slight austerity, but classic; soft attack, but then a dollop of tannin, powerful and concentrated, austere, dense; excellent length, needs time.
Deep red, no signs of maturity; firm classic nose, lacks a little charm but stylish, discreet; lean, slightly woody, obtrusive oak, but ample vigour and liveliness; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; light spicy nose, pleasant, oaky; rather loose and light, simple, lacks richness and stuffing; medium length.
Deep red; discreet nose, still reserved, vanilla; soft, poised, very concentrated, elegant, fine acidity, approaching maturity, stylish but no blockbuster, almost mineral finish; very good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet baked nose, slightly volatile; soft, quite rich, medium-bodied, lacks some concentration; quite good length.
Fairly deep brick-red; earthy nose, charmless; medium-bodied, rather dilute, lacks grip and character, slightly dry aftertaste; medium length, drink soon.
Rich, plummy fruits on the nose with a peppery spicy edge. On the palate the fruits are soft and approachable with a gamey quality to the finish.
Straw-gold; rich waxy botrytis nose; very sweet, highly concentrated, tight, high acidity, very youthful, creamy; very good length.
Gold; discreet spicy botrytis nose, already quite honeyed; very sweet, intense, not that oaky, very concentrated and spicy, racy but very rich, impeccable; excellent length.
Medium straw; muted nose, very oaky; very sweet, intense, creamy texture, ripe apricots, fine acidity, elegant as well as powerful, very concentrated, impeccable; very good length.
Medium gold; ultra-elegant nose, ample botrytis, classic, okay but not excessively so, toasty; lean, elegant, spicy, racy yet with ample botrytis, delicious fruit, exquisitely balanced; very good length.
Medium straw; inexpressive nose, some botrytis; medium-bodied, reasonable concentration, quite oaky, modest botrytis, lacks some vigour and verve, almost raisiny on finish, disappointing for Yquem
Gold; rich burnished barley sugar nose, powerful, oaky, almost caramelly; rich, sweet, firm, acidity, highly concentrated, barley sugar and raisiny tones, stewed apricots; very good length.
Medium gold; rich, slightly resiny nose, iodine, oaky; sweet, intense, lush apricot fruit, concentrated, very oaky, fine acidity but lacks a little flair; good length.
Full gold; rich botrytis nose, powerful Semillon character, direct, toasty oak; concentrated, rounded, fine acidity, creamy, very well balanced, lovely wine even if it lacks a little weight and depth; good length.
Bright medium gold; creamy oaky botrytis nose, discreet; sweet but lean, concentrated, creamy texture, youthful, elegant, still needs time; good length, toasty finish.
Medium gold; rich honeyed botrytis nose, peaches and cream, immensely fruity but elegant too; sweet, intense, very concentrated, spicy, fine acidity, delicious fruit, a touch raisiny but by no means blowsy; very good length.
Medium gold; sweet lush raisiny nose, toasty, tangy, dried fruit and a hint of marmalade; rich, lush, rounded, majestic, lacks a little bite not excessively evolved, fine acidity on finish; very good length.
Medium-gold; firm smoky nose, beginning to show its age, perhaps not a perfect bottle; lush, very concentrated, fine acidity, slight pineapple tone, a hint of oxidation, meaty but not inelegant; very good length, honeyed finish.
Full gold, touch of cooper, quite evolved; sweet caramel nose, toffee-apple, touch of marmalade; rich, plump, fine acidity, highly concentrated, barley sugar, complex and long with a raisiny finish; very good length.
Full gold, touch of copper; big waxy botrytis nose, classic, wonderfully clean fruit with no marmalade tones; lush, rounded, silky, spicy, fine texture, beautifully balanced, mature, just a hint of tar on finish, impeccable; excellent length.
Deep red; sweet ripe fruit on nose. Quite lush, firm, tannic, quite good acidity, a bit raw but ample fruit; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet delicate oaky nose; fresh, juicy, simply, has charm, balanced but not for long keeping; quite good length.
Medium deep red; light nose; light, dilute, but balanced; medium length. Drink soon.
Fairly deep red; light sweet elegant nose; reasonable fruit, quite chunky, lacks some finesse; quite good length.
Deep red; sweet oaky nose, hint of cassis; soft, rich, plump, reasonable concentration but quite forward, good extract and should keep well; good length.
Deep red; rich fruity nose, fleshy, succulent, quite oaky; soft, lush, generous, oaky, spicy, balanced; good length.
Deep red; reserved nose, quite oaky, almost peppery; soft, rounded, quite concentrated, as enough sweet fruit to balance the high acidity, has Margaux typicity, balanced, though fades on finish; medium length.
Fairly deep red, some maturity; delicate and pretty nose, quite cedary; soft, rounded, attractive texture, plush, fully mature, light oaky bite, still fresh, light chocolatey finish; quite good length.
Very deep red; firm oaky nose, reserved; rich, dense, extracted, entering a surly phase, but concentrated, good potential; quite good length.
WSo
Very deep red; lovely sweet gamy nose, leathery; sweetish fruit, very ripe and lush, concentrated, delicious, vigorous, will evolve well; good length.
Fairly deep ruby; stylish oaky nose, ample fruit; rounded, plump, almost jammy, oaky with light tannin; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; slightly raisiny nose; medium-bodied but robust, holding up well, light tannin, perfectly healthy despite slight astringency; quite good length.
Deep red; closed nose; dense, concentrated, tannic, but splendid fruit, powerful wine with great potential; good length.
Deep red; closed nose but seems ripe; quite rich and full, a good 1993, fairly good acidity, concentrated but needs time for fruit to emerge; quite good length.
Deep red; light nose; soft, light, forward, rather green and hard, pleasant but lacks the usual power of Pontet-Canet; medium length.
Very deep red; rich sweet dense nose, powerful, spicy, cedary; very rich, dense, tannic, full-bodied, oaky, damsons, spicy, youthful, quite extracted and a touch brutal, but fine potential; good length.
Very deep red; fairly austere chocolatey nose, but rich; rich, austere, good concentration, lacks some vigour, a touch charmless, but plenty of depth and grip, needs time to open up, fine potential; good length
Deep red; lovely sweet ripe oaky nose, voluptuous, cedary, still tight; soft, rich, plump, good depth, still slightly austere, well structured, quite tannic, slightly low acidity; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet dense Cabernet nose; medium-bodied, chunky, good fruit, has weight rather than elegance, but a good Giscours with ample fruit; quite good length.
Opaque red; slightly coarse nose, still very closed up; soft, juicy, distinctly dilute, chocolatey, slightly harsh tannins, not much fruit or substance here; medium length, dry finish.
Deep red; rather dense muted nose; rich, dense, spicy, minty, quite high acidity, chunky, lacks some charm but has vigour, should develop well; good length,
Fairly deep ruby; firm nose, a touch earthy, raspberries; rich, quite tannic, firm, assertive and youthful but lacks some charm, has lasted well; medium length.
Deep ruby; fine if reserved Cabernet nose; slightly neutral fruit, rather austere though elegant, but does lack fruit expression; medium length.
Huge, deep colour; rustic, almost burned fruit on the nose; concentrated flavours. More power than elegance, but a solid wine, still youthful - a fine example of the quality of the 1970s.
Deep red; closed nose; rich, concentrated, ripe tannins, lean and stylish rather than fat and powerful but has finesse and very good length, needs time.
Fairly deep red; lean oaky nose that developed elegance with aeration; medium-bodied, svelte, concentrated, quite firm, a touch rugged and less elegant than nose, indeed somewhat dull; quite good length.
Fairly deep red, some maturity; lean oaky truffley nose, a bit woody; soft, quite rich, concentrated, good depth but has a slight vegetal tone, chunky, lacks elegance; very good length, may yet improve.
Deep red; sweet oaky chocolatey nose, vigorous, ripe; medium-bodied, svelte, elegant, lacks a little concentration, spicy, discreet but lacks some persistence, good but not great; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; muted nose, a touch gamy, smoky, liquorice; lean, quite concentrated, rather dry tannins, a bit astringent, quite stylish but ready to drink; good length.
Deep red; slightly coarse wood on nose, lacks fruit; quite rich, concentrated, spicy, fine acidity, still tight and vigorous, slightly dry finish but not tiring; good length.
Deep red; rich ripe oaky nose, has charm; quite rich, supple, has weight and concentration, firm tannins, needs time; quite good length.
Opaque red; exceedingly lush nose, ripe and plump; rich, firm, concentrated, very tannic but not harsh, dense, plummy, lacks some persistence and length but powerful and structured.
Deep red; sweet rich oaky nose, fleshy, cedary; soft-textured yet quite chunky, seems over-extracted; medium length.
Deep ruby; muted nose, minty, oaky; soft, supple, good primary fruit flavours, spicy, quite rich, a surprise for the vintage; quite good length.
Deep red; firm nose, oaky and still rather closed; rich, soft, good depth, sleek, ripe tannins, good acidity, concentrated and quite complex but still needs time; good length.
Fairly deep red, relatively youthful colour; sweet intense nose, cassis, tremendous purity of fruit, a touch smoky and gamy; rich, spicy, concentrated, good acidity, vigorous, delicious, remarkably fresh; very good length.
Straw-gold; fine oaky nose, peachy, honeyed, not overblown; rich, quite intense, oaky, peachy, quite good acidity, rather alcoholic which makes the finish a touch heavy and sticky; medium length.
Gold; oily oaky nose, powerful but lacks elegance; rich, silky, better acidity than nose suggests, concentrated, full-bodied, creamy, honeyed, forward, alcoholic bite on finish but fine fruit; good length.
Gold; apricot nose, touch of cardboard, lemon pie, botrytis; sweet, silky, honey and peaches, high acidity, white pepper, alcoholic finish so lacks a little finesse; good length.
Light gold; lovely supple honeyed nose, peachy; rich, supple, fairly sweet, still quite closed and tight, lively acidity, will still improve; good length.
Straw-gold; rich nose, heaps of botrytis, apricots, quite oaky and opulent; rich, plump, rounded, quite concentrated, ample botrytis, good acidity too, a touch burly, oaky finish; excellent length.
Light gold; fresh apricot nose, elegant; soft, creamy, sweet, a touch of botrytis, juicy, ready to drink, pretty; quite good length, clean finish.
Medium gold; rich plump botrytis nose, tarry, smoky, powerful; soft, rich, creamy, quite good acidity, unctuous, peachy, lacks a little vigour but delicious fruit; good length.
Gold; light raisiny nose, bananas; soft, creamy, plump but still quite tight, high acidity, concentrated and spicy though little botrytis; good length.
Copper-gold; rich barley sugar nose; rich, honeyed, barley sugar, creamy, quite good acidity, mature; quite good length.
Medium gold; hefty nose, has botrytis; not very sweet, rather dour and lame, lacks zest and has a hot alcoholic finish; medium length.
Orange-gold; oranges and barley sugar on nose; rich, plump, concentrated, spicy, orange peel, a touch hot and overblown but still impressive and with good acidity; quite good length.
Full gold; fine botrytis nose but showing slight oxidation
Medium gold; rich elegant nose, dried apricots; soft, stylish, good acidity, reasonable concentration, lively and vigorous, no sign of age, hint of barley sugar on finish; good length.
Straw gold; dumb nose, cardboardy; sweet, simple, nutty, holding up well but not much flair here; medium length.
Gold; muted nose; sweet, silky, lively acidity, not a lot of botrytis but elegant, has concentration, apricot flavours; good length.
Bright medium-gold; barley sugar nose, almonds; soft, rounded, a bit hard, not much botrytis, firm, lacks allure but holding up well, lacks complexity; good length, rather alcoholic finish.
Deep red; reserved nose; rich fruit, but closed and dense, tannic and extracted, no lack of fruit but hard to judge; good length.
Evy
Opaque red; closed nose, chocolatey, sweetish fruit; medium-bodied, juicy, chunky but doesn't develop on palate, pleasant but unexciting, balanced and not too extracted, will develop quite fast; medium length.
Fairly deep ruby; reserved nose; sweet, rich, concentrated, dense, fine fruit here, tannic but not hard; good length.
Very deep red; closed nose; rounded attack on palate, then aggressive, with assertive acidity, lacks fruit, very austere, lacks Margaux charm; good length.
Fairly deep red, some browning; robust nose, cedary, a touch musty; quite rich but very dry, losing fruit, bitter tannic finish; medium length.
Dense red, distinctly mature; leafy nose, tea, very developed; soft yet quite tannic, a touch dry and charmless, reasonable fruit and concentration but not very exciting, unlikely to improve; quite good length.
Deep dense colour though browning on rim; sweet rich plummy nose, good depth, cedary; rich, plump, concentrated, soft and mature but not tiring, supple and mellow, still packed with fruit; very good length.
A spicy, fruity wine with tannins ready to open.
Full colour, rich tobacco-y nose, spicy and ripe and more volume and richness on the palate than expected, very fine expression and very polished. (Tasted en primeur)
Bordeaux Wine Investments, Sevenoaks, Kent (01732 779 343), everywine.co.uk, Farr Vintners, London SW8 (020 7821 2000), Four Walls Wine, Sussex (01243 535 360), Turville Valley Wines (01494 868 818)
Big, solid colour, quite rich on the glass, smokey, bacony nose, lots of ripe fruit, quite a fleshy wine, well-made, middle road Margaux, satisfying, but not high in finesse. (Tasted en primeur)
Mls
Good deep colour, lots of cassis fruit, oak showing, a lovely smooth wine with succulent fruit to make very attractive drinking in the short term. (Tasted en primeur)
John Armit, London W11 (020 7908 0600), Ava Wines, N. Ireland (028 9146 5490), Berry Bros & Rudd, London SW1 (0870 900 4300), Bordeaux Wine Investments, Sevenoaks, Kent (01732 779 343), Davy’s of London branches (020 7407 9670), everywine.co.uk, Fine & Ra
Full, firm colour, quite dense fruit on the nose, but also fragrant and floral and complex, palate still quite firm, but very good depth, harmonious fruit, just a little hollow at the moment, but should mature very well. (Tasted en primeur)
BBR, Evy, F&R, Mls
Very deep red, no sign of age; sweet ripe elegant fruit on nose, crushed berries, sleek and oaky; very rich and concentrated, sumptuous, great depth and power, lots of new oak, great finesse, velvety tannins; excellent length, superb finish.
Deep red, some maturity; light cedary nose, very stylish; fairly light-textured, a bit acidic, lacks flesh, has tannin, drink soon; good length.
Deep red, some maturity; rich cedary nose, quite burly, sweetish fruit, more powerful than 79; rich, creamy, concentrated, harmonious, spicy, lively, not a blockbuster, quite sumptuous yet with a pleasing touch of austerity; good length.
Deep red; rather murky dense nose; chunky, concentrated, a touch dry but not fading, robust; good length.
Deep red, some maturity; dense Cabernet nose, chocolatey, smoky, complex, still backward; very rich and concentrated, massive, hugely tannic but not harsh or unbalanced, has real core of fruit, very youthful; very good length, a great 75.
Deep red; dense rather reserved nose, quite rich; quite rich, dense, concentrated, a bit dour and tannic, youthful in structure yet probably doesn't have quite enough fruit to develop well, but balanced; quite good length.
Fairly deep red, some maturity; sweet elegant cedary nose, vanilla, lovely fruit, ample lift and flair; medium-bodied, elegant, good acidity, compact, lacks some richness but vigorous; quite good length. Some bottles have been more faded and lean.
Deep brownish red; attractive cedary, figgy nose, tobacco, quite firm; sweetish fruit, quite rich and concentrated, some acidity showing through yet doesn't have much persistence, better attack than finish; quite good length, simple and rather dry finish.
Deep mature red; sweet smoky nose, less aromatic than many 61s, cassis; rich, dense, slightly austere, very concentrated and dense, almost peppery, surprisingly discreet, well balanced, very much alive and show great elegance and poise; quite good length.
Very deep red; rich supple oaky nose; quite rich, medium-bodied, supple, concentrated for 1997, fair acidity; quite good length.
Very deep red; dense oaky blackcurrant nose, a touch stalky; juicy, robust, but harsh tannins, little finesse, somewhat coarse now; quite good length.
Very deep red; dense minty nose, opens with aeration; rich, concentrated, chunky, spicy, vigorous, still youthful; good length.
Fairly deep mature red; light sweet cedary nose, mature, has charm, smoky bacon aromas; lean, a hint of oxidation, concentrated, smoky, quite elegant but not very complex, bacony, attractive, unlikely to improve further; good length.
Very deep red; closed nose; supple, quite rich, dense fruitiness obscured by tannin, certainly not unripe, lacks some elegance but structured; good length. Could develop well.
Deep red; delicate fragrant nose, pretty; pleasant but simple, rather dilute, not green but lacks concentration; medium length, rather tough finish.
Deep plum-red; light elegant Cabernet nose, has charm; soft, rounded, quite rich, light tannin, supple, spicy aftertaste, pretty; medium length.
deep red; firm leathery nose, lacks some charm; medium-bodied, elegant, still quite tannic, peppery, no blockbuster but not tough, has fine vigour and concentration; good length.
Fairly deep red; muted nose; rounded, not hugely concentrated but has some grip and structure; medium length.
Deep ruby, no sign of age; sweet lush generous nose, oaky, minty; soft, lush, supple, still has plenty of backbone but lovely now, still fresh and lively, impeccable balance; good length.
Fairly deep red; sweetish nose, lightly cedary; soft, plump, rounded, still quite tannic but accessible, reasonably concentrated, very good 1983 with a spicy finish; quite good length.
Dark, healthy-looking wine with powerful aromas of pepper, spices, and deep, ripe red fruits. Big, but amazingly velvety in texture, it exhibits flavors of earthy, smoky, leathery character, though it never strays from its lush, ripe blackberry focus. Exp
Wonderful soft, creamy nose with good nuttiness and intensity. Well made, simple and fresh rounded style. Good creamy structure.
Very toasty, apple, yeast and creamy nose. Good flavours and depth on the palate with a good structure.
Attractive, lemon and sweet, apples, yeast and nutty nose. Lovely ripeness, depth, great complexity and elegant creamy edge. Good acidity.
Medium-full red/purple. Cherry/blackcurrant pastille-like fruit aromas. Silky, supple palate with blackcurrant and plum-like fruit, dense, slightly bitter tannins, and firm finish. A little simple for Grange but will hold and may improve.
Medium red/purple. Scented and exotic wine with lifted raspberry/cherry/gamey fruit and cedar/vanillin/marzipan characters. Elegantly proportioned with fleshy blackberry/cherry fruit and smoky nuances, finely-grained tannins and excellent length. Probably
Medium-full red/purple. Restrained, with earthy/pruney/meaty aromas and leafy touches of. Tightly structured palate with blackberry, cedar, leafy/herbal flavours and a firm backbone of tannin. Great mouthfeel. May develop further in the bottle.
Medium-full red/purple. Forward but complex wine with sweet, prune/cherry aromas and touches of mint. Very seductive palate with sweet, fleshy, chocolate/berry/truffle fruit flavours balanced by finely grained, slightly gripping tannins. Early drinking bu
Fresh apples and aniseed aromas. Good fresh fruit. Nice buttery character and toasty ripeness. High acidity with some very exotic fruit on the palate. Long, lingering citrus fruit.
Medium brick red. Developed, gamey, sweet fruit aromas with hints of leather. Developed, sweet, molasses/gamey fruit on palate, pronounced tannins and good length. Finishes dry. At peak of development.
Beginning to dry out. Quite leathery with some mushroomy notes. Becoming lean and austere.
Medium-full brick red. Concentrated, sweet, plum/licorice aromas with touches of cedar and leather/spice. Palate is rich, ripe and silken, with sweet, seductive, plum/chocolate/berry fruit, underlying earthiness, loose-knit tannins and long finish. A beau
Becoming rare. Often considered a classic Grange vintage. Can be quite cedary with plenty of sweet fruit and finely grained tannins. Bottles with good levels and appearance are invariably drinking well.
Becoming rare. The best examples show developed, mushroomy, sweet fruit and soft tannins.
Grange production officially resumed with this vintage. Becoming rare. Well-cellared bottles can be in good condition, showing concentration and fruit.
The third and last 'hidden' Grange, made in secret but released commercially after the ban was lifted. Well-cellared bottles are holding up remarkably well.
Well past its peak. The second 'hidden' Grange. Extremely rare – curio and collector value.
Variable and well past peak. The first 'hidden' or 'secret' Grange. Very rare – curio and collector value.
Well-cellared bottles may show fully developed fruit and lacy tannins, but most are past. Very rare – curio and collector value.
Bright brick red. Mature cedar/gamey/coffee aromas with some earthy spice nuances. Lively and powerful, with plenty of sweet, prune/chocolate fruit layered with coffee-like richness, complex cedar/leather characters and fine, dry tannins. A beautifully fo
All but extremely fine bottles are well past their peak. Very rare – curio and collector value.
Vibrant brick colour. Complex, sweet, truffly/gamey aromas with touches of leather and spice. Soft, silky and delicately balanced with sweet chocolate/berry, game and cedar fruit, very fine, lacy tannins and excellent length. Still drinking brilliantly we
First commercial vintage. Some bottles are holding up well but only if perfectly cellared. More lively and concentrated than 1951, but both tannin and fruit fading, yet a bottle tasted more recently seemed like a fine wine from the 70s rather than the 50s
First, experimental Grange – extremely rare. Valuable collector's item because of its historical significance. The wine itself is well past its peak: dull, tawny colour; skeletal; little flesh; fading tannins. Curio.
Medium brick red. Sweet, complex and intense stocky/truffle-like aromas. Developed palate with ripe, concentrated, meaty/chocolate-like flavours, silky tannin structure and long finish. Well balanced, but drink soon.
Medium red/purple. Intense, fragrant chocolate/cherry/prune/dried fig aromas. Dense and chewy with generously ripe, prune/chocolate fruit flavours, pronounced grainy tannins and superb length. Will emerge as a classic Grange.
Medium brick red. Sweet, prune/dried fig/apricot aromas with complex cedar/cigar-box characters. Palate is still fresh, but compact, with dark chocolate/prune flavours, some earthiness and fine gripping tannins. Firm finish. A little disjointed and unlike
Medium brick red. Complex, mature smoked oyster and truffle aromas with some stocky sweetness. Palate beginning to fade, with some sweet but over-developed fruit and earthy leather characters. Plenty of grip but drying out.
Strong purple/red. Elemental and ethereal wine with rich, ripe, red and black cherry/plum fruit and some aniseed/ginger characters. Sweet, rich and chewy with blackberry jam/plum fruit, strong but balanced oak, gripping tannins and good length. Very youth
Medium-full red/purple. Defined, dark plum/cassis fruit interwoven with well-seasoned, toasty, spicy oak. Powerful and dense palate with very seductive sweet, rich, raspberry/prune/licorice/ginger fruit, massively structured tannins, cedar/spice oak and l
Medium-full purple/red. Bright and direct blackberry/cherry/cedar aromas with hints of mint and pepper. Palate is lightly textured with sweet, blackberry/raspberry fruit flavours and some spice and pepper, moderate concentration, pronounced, chewy tannins
Medium-full red/purple. Cherry/plum/wild berry aromas with some vanilla and licorice. Deep, dense and chewy, with ripe plum cherry fruit and spicy licorice flavours, fine grained tannins, underlying savoury oak and persistent finish. Outstanding follow-up
Medium-full red/purple. Deeply concentrated, with strong, plum/prune/licorice aromas and touches of aniseed and exotic fruits – all underpinned by well-seasoned oak. Palate is deeply set with spicy, plum/mocha/licorice fruit, sweet spicy oak, and ripe but
Medium-full purple/red. Remarkably closed. Restrained, lifted, leafy/briary/earthy aromas with some blackberry/coal characters. Compact, grainy palate with blackberry/earthy flavours, grippy tannins and excellent mid-palate fruit sweetness. Finishes dry.
Medium-full purple/red. Superbly intense and balanced, with all the hallmarks of longevity and greatness. Still shows smooth, plum/cherry fruit with touches of fig and licorice. Immensely concentrated, with deeply-set licorice/prune fruit and some dried f
Medium red/purple. Complex, developing aromas with plenty of soft, slightly lifted, tobacco/berry/gamey fruit. Palate is highly concentrated with rich, cedar/blackberry fruit, massive, firm, dry tannins and long flavoury finish. Tannins are too much at th
Medium-full red/purple. Deep, intense blackberry/gamey aromas with touches of camphor. Sweet and ripe with plum/cassis, slightly gamey fruit, loose-knit but gripping tannin structure and good overall length. Probably a medium-term wine.
Red/purple. Intense, rich, brambly/blackberry fruit with touches of cedar and licorice. Beautifully concentrated, with abundant blackberry/apricot fruit and plenty of meaty/cedary characters, plush, pronounced tannins and underlying sweet oak. Super wine.
Medium red/purple. Christmas cake/blackcurrant essence aromas with touches of raspberry. Sweet and ripe with plum/blackcurrant essence fruit and supple tannins. Atypically flavoured wine. Will hold for many years but unlikely to improve.
Medium-full red/purple. Very complex, briary/earthy/cedar aromas. Restrained, structured palate with sweet, cedary/truffly/earthy fruit, marked tannins and underlying oak. An austere vintage that will develop further. At the moment a little disjointed.
Medium red. Complex, cedar/tobacco/gamey aromas with plenty of sweet fruit. Highly concentrated and beautifully textured wine with lovely, sweet, blackberry/smoky/earthy fruit and licorice, fine grainy tannins and dry finish. Softening out well, but shoul
Purple/red. Sweet, dark chocolate/briary aromas with hints of tar and roasted meat. Richly flavoured palate with dark chocolate/berry fruit, looseknit but slightly bitter tannins and long finish. Good overall balance but is unlikely to improve. Will hold.
Youthful purple/red. Intense and concentrated licorice/chocolate/berry/truffle aromas with touches of earthiness. Palate is very powerful with rich plum/chocolate/berry/licorice fruit flavours, thick velvety tannin structure and excellent length. Should b
Garnet red. Sweet, leather, spice and meaty aromas with some intense licorice, almost porty nuances. Rich and concentrated palate with ripe, tobacco/berry fruit and touches of spice and leafiness.Quite extractive and bitter tannins make the wine a very mu
Medium brick red. Camomile, citrus peel and chocolate/berry aromas with touches of soft leather. Very big and mouthfilling with sweet, stocky fruit and notes of tar, leather and nutmeg. Firm, gripping tannins and long finish. More structured style but sti
Medium brick red. Complex and vibrant, sweet, meaty/truffly fruit with perfumed apricot/marmalade and black fruit notes. Lovely concentrated and textured palate with sweet, briary, apricot-like fruit and touches of star anise. Fine dry tannins and excelle
Medium brick red. An astonishing wine with intensely sweet, lifted, complex and perfumed prune/apricot/truffle aromas with hints of violet and fig. Silken, opulent palate with fleshy apricot/prune fruit and truffly, earthy, demi-glace undertones balanced
Medium brick red. Overdeveloped, nutty/leathery fruit with touches of game. Palate slightly bitter and fading, with developed, nutty, leather/briar fruit, drying tannins and moderate length. Drink now or yesterday!
Medium brick red. Very developed, leathery/prune-like aromas. Palate beginning to dry out, with fading prune/leather-like fruit flavours, fine but slightly green-edged tannins and dry finish. Well past its best.
Medium-full brick red. Opulent, coffee/gamey aromas with some chocolate and cedar. Sweet and rich palate with ripe, gamey/chocolate fruit, some truffly undertones, chewy tannins and excellent length. Finishes a touch dry. Beginning to wind down.
Lots of liquorice, currant, tar and good freshness. Very concentrated, sweet, farmyardy jammy fruit with lively acidity.
Very deep colour; closed, showing very little on the nose; firm and tannic with powerful grip but, like so many 1998s, slightly too lean and lacking flesh.
Very deep blue-black colour; closed but luscious, with an intensely sweet, almost New World character. Not as powerful as some, but certainly the most elegant and gently harmonious wine of the vintage.
Very deep, impenetrable colour; similarly impenetrable on the nose but with underlying ripeness and intensity; big, rich and supple in the mouth, great texture with cast iron structure and an explosive, tannic finish. A powerful middle-to-long distance wi
Deep blue-black; closed and dense on the nose with a slightly earthy overtone suggesting Tinta Barroca; voluptuous, voluminous minty fruit, with tight, spicy tannins rising on the finish. Will be approachable quite early but will keep. An outstanding wine
Deep colour; rich, minty and dense with a massive tannic superstructure. A powerful wine that will develop well over the medium to long term.
Deep, dark colour; floral in character with violets both on the nose and in the mouth, lacking a steel girder in terms of structure but peppery tannins rise towards the finish. Elegant. Approachable within 10 years.
Deep colour; dense and closed initially but opening up to reveal floral, violet-like aromas; quite soft and subdued with peppery tannic grip rising in the mouth. Sweet, peppery tannic length. Middle distance wine.
Very deep blue-black colour; closed but with huge underlying intensity, opening up after a couple of days on ullage; big, broad and ripe with a powerful tannic backbone. A well-structured wine with a great deal to offer.
Closed initially. Attractive ripe berry fruit and peppery tannins. Satisfying but rather simple.
Deep, dark and dense, with bitter chocolate intensity on the nose; not as tight-knit as some, but refined and focused with finely honed tannins rising in the mouth. Balanced with a good future ahead: 10 years plus.
Very deep blue-black colour; closed and dense on the nose initially, giving very little away; straightforward peppery fruit, elegant, with a spicy, tannic finish. Drink in 10 years plus.
Very deep colour; dense, tight but vaguely floral aromas; quite broad with ripe peppery fruit and four-square tannins rising in the mouth. Solid and slightly rustic (which is part of its charm). Good middle-distance wine.
Very deep, dark and dense; opens up to reveal wonderful black cherry and dark chocolate intensity; big, ripe, firm and four-square, solid tannins in equilibrium with concentrated fruit. The most impressive wine of the vintage - will reward keeping for 15
Deep colour; open, minty, quite forward, quite soft minty flavours backed by firm, rather raw, dusty tannins which linger on the finish. Altogether bigger and more powerful than its stablemate, Kopke.
Much more closed on the nose with some blackcurrant fruit. No character is showing as yet and tannins mask everything. This needs time. It wouldn't be fair to mark this wine. (tasted en primeur)
Rather clumsy unbalanced wine. (tasted en primeur)
Marmite nose but no fruit flavours. Is it closed or dilute? Very drying tannins. Drink 2003. (tasted en primeur)
Typically fine tuned with dark hue, complex nose, beautifully extracted fruit rich with fine tannin and long, lingering finish. Balanced and oozing class. Ready 2012-2015. (tasted en primeur)
Ant, BBR, Bdl, Evy, Far, Pwy, Sec, Wlk
Alain Vauthier has turned out another remarkable wine at this estate. Intense colour, reserved, ripe, powerful tannic structure hidden behind velvety fruit, long on the finish. Great elegance. Over 50% ripe Cabernet Franc in the blend (one of the secrets
Ant, BBR, Bdl, C&R, Evy, Far, N&P
Two complimentary tasting notes, one blind. Deep colour to the rim, fruit at that perfect dark cherry pitch, oak present but integrated, long, balanced finish. A four star wine with an extra star for value for money at this level. Ready 2012-2015. (tasted
BBR, Bdl, Evy, MFW, VgH, WIF
Deep, bright hue, ripe, harmonious fruit, oak present but integrated, lovely balance on the palate between fruit, tannins and freshness. Should age well. Ready 2012-2015. (tasted en primeur)
Bdl, Evy, F&R, Far, N&P, Pwy, WIF
A typically powerful Angélus with a rich, complex panoply of dark fruits, opulent texture and masses of ripe tannin. A big wine but with balancing freshness on the finish. The Cabernet Franc very good this year. Ready 2012-2015. (tasted en primeur)
Ant, BBR, Evy, F&R, MFW, N&P, Rol, Tur, VgH, Wlk
Very fine deep purple colour that sticks to the glass, good solid blackcurrant fruit, slightly smoky, very well balanced and very good length. Ready 2005-2015. (tasted en primeur)
Antique Wine Company, London (020 7359 1109), everywine.co.uk, Fine & Rare Wines, London W10 (020 8960 1995), Food and Fine Wines, Sheffield (0114 266 8747), finewine-online (www.finewine-online.co.uk), Houlton Wines, www.houltonwines.co.uk (01472 752 525
Huge colour, ripe, almost fleshy nose, very rounded and seductive, ripe and velvety texture, lovely extract, very well balanced and should show well early on, but last very well. A fleshier, more supple and more rich Malescot than in the past, very attra
BBR, Bdl, C&R, Evy, J&B, N&P
Very big colour, big, meaty, well extracted, even tarry nose, ripe and concentrated fruit, rich, ripe and plummy, good length and Margaux sweetness and charm, very attractive for medium term drinking. Ready 2005-2012. (tasted en primeur)
BBR, Far, Gdh, J&B, L&W, Lai, Lay, May, N&P
Full black cherry colour, fragrant, Cabernet blackcurrant nose, elegant and restrained, but very distinctive, really fine blackcurrant fruit on palate, completely harmonious, a lovely, elegant wine, pure fragrance and finesse, just lacking a little concen
'Off' aromas - impossible to judge at the moment. Wait and hope! (tasted en primeur)
Excellent fruity nose. Nicely balanced palate - very long, with an unexpected dryness to the finish.
CT Baker, Norfolk (01263 712 244), Bennetts Wines, Glos (01386 840 392), Cadman Fine Wines, Northampton (www.cadmanfinewines.co.uk), John E Fells, Herts (01442 870 900), Fine Wine List, Hereford (01432 830 840), Imbibros, Godalming (01483 861 164), Manwoo
Excellent colour: full, red, still and clear. Good, clean nose, if a bit closed. Rich, structured palate with good tannins. Long finish.
CT Baker, Norfolk (01263 712 244), Bennetts Wines, Glos (01386 840 392), Cadman Fine Wines, Northampton (www.cadmanfinewines.co.uk), John E Fells, Herts (01442 870 900), Fine Wine List, Hereford (01432 830 840), Imbibros, Godalming (01483 861 164), Manwoo
Fine, ripe nose, with a rich, caramel background. Full-bodied palate, with plenty of luscious black fruit flavours and a slightly hot finish.
Andrew Chapman Fine Wines, Oxon (01235 550 707), Connolly’s, Birmingham (0121 236 9269), Four Walls Wine, Sussex (01243 535 360), Halifax Wine Company (01422 256 333), Hedley Wright, Herts (01279 465 818), Charles Hennings Vintners, W Sussex (01798 872 48
Medium gold colour with a steady stream of bubbles. Quite fresh and creamy on the nose, with hints of apple and biscuit. Youthful, fresh and delicate on the palate, with yeasty notes and a fresh finish.
Execellars, Exeter (0800 083 8075), Fine Wine Company, Edinburgh (0131 665 0088), Great Western Wines, Somerset (01225 322 800), Michael Jobling, Newcastle (0191 261 5298), The Revelstoke Wine Company, London (020 8875 0077)
A golden yellow, with a limey, grapefruit nose and honeysuckle, floral notes. The palate started with a delicate fruit, evolving into fuller creamy, citrus, with a very pleasant acidity. Delicate but persistent finish.
Nic, F&M, Har, L&S, Rés
Deep red; surprisingly light nose, oaky; rich, full-bodied, oaky but refined, better than nose suggests, vigorous; quite good length.
Deep red; sweet ripe oaky nose, generous, cassis and mint; soft, rich, plump, with fine acidity and balance, oaky and spicy; very good length.
Deep red; sweet nose, cabernet clearly comes through, cedary, atypical Pomerol but very classy and elegant; medium-bodied, very concentrated, sleek and silky, still some tannin, taut and still youthful, finely balanced; good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet elegant nose, lightly peppery and cedary; gentle, quite intense, with fine acidity, mature, not a lot of weight or body, but balanced and enjoyable; medium length.
Deep red; lovely elegant truffley nose, quite forward; rich, supple, generous, concentrated, full-bodied, forward, delicious; quite good length.
Fairly deep ruby; light spicy elegant nose, has vigour; soft, medium-bodied, forward, succulent, attractive, a touch dry from oak; quite good length.
Deep red; rich oaky nose, a touch jammy at first, but developed elegance and cedary tones with aeration; elegant, rounded, medium-bodied, ripe tannins, not that powerful but persistent, very oaky; good length.
Deep red; very rich assertive smoky nose, powerful fruit; soft, lush, opening up, fine texture, elegant, concentrated; quite good length.
Deep plum-red, only a hint of maturity; sweet cedary nose, elegant, blackberries rather than cassis, touch of mint; rich, concentrated, spicy, fine acidity, touch hollow but impressive and no sign of tiredness, light tannin on finish; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; lean elegant leafy nose, delicate; medium-bodied, elegant, not tiring, not a big wine but graceful; quite good length.
Fairly deep red, some maturity; light sweet graceful nose; medium-bodied, delicate but concentrated, losing some fruit and vigour, light tannin, but the fruit and vigour revive with aeration; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet elegant cedary nose, has charm; rich, firm, little sign of age, even robust, quite good acidity; quite good length. Had more vigour in 1990.
Amber gold, vibrant, a really exciting colour; deep, luscious, barley-sugar fruit with superb acidity; very rich but not that sweet, a real triumph for a second wine from this great Sauternes village.
Deep red; sweet smoky nose, gamey, tobacco, coffee, elegant; sweet, lean, assertive, spicy, quite gamy, concentrated, losing a little fruit but impressive; quite good length, slightly dry finish.
Opaque red; a lot of new oak on the nose, rather sweet and confected, upfront; supple, forward, not especially tannic, medium-bodied but not dilute, fresh but lacks depth; quite good length.
Deep red; light oaky nose; soft, supple, reasonable concentration, quite oaky, solid but lacks finesse; quite good length.
Very deep red; sweet rich oaky nose; rich, dense, quite tannic, delicious if chunky, a very good 1991; good length.
Deep youthful ruby; sweet but slightly musty nose, earthy; rounded, a bit loose, lacks some richness and elegance, marked acidity; medium length, drink soon.
Deep mature red; leafy cedary nose, quite elegant and refined; rich, dense, smoky, concentrated, porty, almost peppery, ample fruit, delicious, spicy and complex; good length.
Very deep red; closed nose, with a hint of smoky oak; fairly soft and approachable, reasonable concentration and grip, good acidity, no unripeness; quite good length.
Very deep red; intense minty nose, rather austere; lush, surprisingly rich, spicy, concentrated, quite tannic, may show better than expected because a jeroboam; quite good length, still plenty of life in the wine.
Very deep red; sweet soft dense nose, has charm and finesse; rounded, delicate, light spiciness, very elegant, ready to drink, a fine 1981; medium length.
Deep red; delicate cassis nose; rounded, still quite tannic, discreet fruit, edgy finish; quite good length.
Fairly deep mature red; mature meaty nose, touch of Bovril, tea; soft, lightly sweet, medium-bodied, charming, prettily balanced, ready to drink; medium length.
Fairly deep red; sweetish dense cedary nose, quite intense; quite rich but no blockbuster, has elegance, spicy, complex finish; very good length.
Medium-deep red; light but fruity nose, not much complexity but attractive; loose, reasonable fruit, a bit astringent, disappointing medium length.
Fairly deep red; sweet ripe cedary nose, elegant; elegant, ethereal, lean, delicious though still quite tannic; quite good length.
Fairly deep red, some maturity on rim; elegant cedary nose, ultra-refined; medium- bodied, remarkably fresh and lively, not a big wine but very elegant and poised; fairly good length. Drink soon.
Very deep red; sweet oaky nose, immensely stylish, discreet; very rich and concentrated, dense, powerful, tight, lacks a little zip but very impressive, chocolatey; very good length.
Very deep red, some maturity; dense gamy nose, truffley, intense; very concentrated, rich and dense, still tannic, gamy, ripe tannins, delicious fruit; good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet oaky stylish nose; quite rich, medium-bodied, elegant, well structured and balanced; good length.
Deep red, some maturity; meaty nose, slightly tired; rich, chunky, dense, still closed and youthful, very concentrated and powerful, chocolatey; quite good length.
Deep red; ripe nose, herb-scented; sweetish fruit, almost jammy, spicy, but well balanced and vigorous; good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet elegant nose, a touch herbaceous; rather lean but quite elegant, good acidity, a fresh delicate style with no lack of extract, less powerful than some earlier vintages; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet stylish nose but very oaky; quite rich, chunky, extracted, oaky, slightly bitter in its youth, lacks finesse; quite good length and a tannic finish.
Deep red; sweet ripe minty nose, elegant, a touch of leather; soft, rich ripe, concentrated, spicy, quite aggressive; good length.
Deep red; curious nose, slightly baked, oaky; rich but austere, tannic, rather hard, concentrated but very closed; quite good length and a dry finish.
Fairly deep red; light oaky nose; sweetish, quite good concentration, not much weight or depth but well balanced and has delicious fruit, elegant, a very good 1987; quite good length.
Deep red; lovely sweet elegant nose, very ripe fruit; soft, sweet, silky, very ripe, intense, minty and racy, still has ample tannin to keep it alive; good length.
Deep red; splendid rich ripe oaky nose; soft, rich, delicious, minty, quite good acidity, good concentration, quite evolved but lively finish; good length.
Deep red; ripe fleshy nose, has charm; quite dense but a touch hollow, rather raw tannins; quite good length.
Very deep red; ripe oaky cassis nose; rich, firm, very ripe and concentrated, tannic and quite powerful, tight and unyielding now but fine potential, needs time; good length.
deep red; opulent cassis nose, rich and elegant; lush, elegant rather than extracted, ripe tannins, showy but well balanced, firm finish, stylish oak; good length.
Fairly deep red; light nose, quite woody; light yet reasonable concentration, simple lacks fruit, pretty aftertaste of blackberries, quite high acidity on finish; quite good length.
Very deep red; rich cedary nose, new oak, smoky, vigorous; quite rich, medium-bodied and delicate, evolved and lacks some persistence, good mid-term drinking; quite good length.
Deep red; sweet rich oaky nose, vanilla, toasty and elegant; medium-bodied, lush, delicious fruit, light tannin, stylish, not too extracted; good length.
Deep red; big fleshy nose, oaky, flashy for Palmer; soft, rich, rounded, supple, forward, but underpinned by oak, succulent yet subtle; good length.
Deep red; sweet nose with charm and delicacy, fragrant; soft, good fruit, well balanced, a touch grassy, almost ready, some tannin on finish, good for the year; quite good length.
Very deep red; wonderful nose, rich, oaky, and dense; rich, tight, a touch earthy, good acidity yet lacks some finesse, very tannic finish; good length, still needs time.
Deep red; muted nose; soft, rather loose, juicy but not that structured, quite cedary but a dry finish and not that concentrated, perhaps atypical as the wine showed very well 10 years ago; medium length.
Fairly deep red; ripe oaky nose; medium-bodied, a touch hollow, still alive but tiring, less baked than many 1976s; medium length.
Deep red; dense nose, but a touch woody; firm, rich, quite high acidity, concentrated but a touch astringent now; good length.
Fairly deep brownish red; light ethereal nose, hint of cedar, elegant; light but stylish, has charm and delicacy but no weight or structure, nicely balanced; quite good length.
Very deep red; dense dumb nose; very concentrated, dense, soft tannins, delicious fruit, splendid use of oak, sumptuous, still in its infancy; very good length.
Very deep red; hefty new oak nose, opulent fruit, classic; very rich, sleek, has good concentration and depth, hefty tannins and a bit chunky, but not without elegance; good length, tannic finish.
Deep red; dense nose, surprisingly tarry, black plums, yet some herbaceousness follows; very rich, concentrated, still quite austere, coffee and smoke flavours from the oak, good acidity, firm, no harsh tannins; good length.
Deep plum red; sweet oaky nose; medium-bodied, soft, oaky, easy tannins, polished, reasonable depth of flavour, well judged oak, could do with more concentration; medium length.
Very deep red; rich sweet sumptuous nose, lush and oaky, lovely cassis fruit, liquorice; very rich and concentrated, dense and meaty, still pretty closed and far from ready, slightly blunt finish, chocolatey; good length.
Very deep red, some maturity; sweet cedary nose, slightly sweaty; firm, quite tannic and austere, good concentration, baked and toasty, lacks finesse, chunky; quite good length.
Very deep red, some maturity; dense chocolatey nose; dense, quite tannic, lacks some elegance, a touch astringent but not harsh, concentrated; good length.
Very deep red; rather closed nose, quite chocolatey; rich, dense, concentrated, vivid acidity, spicy, chunky, rather closed, good concentration, some dourness here; quite good length.
Deep healthy red, little sign of maturity; sweet cedary nose, elegant, hint of tea; rich, concentrated, a bit austere, quite tannic, robust, lacks some elegance, slight astringency; quite good length.
Deep red; sweetish dense nose, not very expressive but very Cabernet in its aromas; austere, firm, still tannic, plenty of fruit, still backward but will it come round?; quite good length.
Distinct browning; slightly oxidised nose, coffee; distinct oxidation on palate, faded and could never have been that good; medium length.
Fairly deep red; fragrant mellow nose but lacks weight; quite spicy but thin for Mouton, fair acidity but soon fades on palate, no dryness; medium length.
Very deep red; sweet elegant cedary nose, very refined; sweet, rich, seductive, feline, lean but elegant and beautifully focused and balanced, still quite tannic; very good length.
Bright deep red; huge voluptuous elegant nose, classic, tremendously stylish; rich, rounded, very concentrated, rich deep cabernet flavour, tightly structured, a dashing wine with plenty in reserve; very good length.
Old, leafy red with a brown amber edge, slightly stewed nose, but very Cabernet, sweet middle palate, burned coffee edge, still showing the ripeness of the year.
Opaque red; sweetish oaky blackberry nose; soft, lush, quite concentrated, tannic, hefty with no loose edges, inexpressive and somewhat charmless now but should improve; quite good length.
Very deep red; oaky nose, hint of menthol, aromatic; fairly rich, plummy, assertive, ample tannin, a bit austere but doesn't lack fruit, soon ready; quite good length.
Very deep red; sweet oaky nose, cassis, vanilla; rich, dense, still very tannic, not harsh but far from ready, chocolatey, minerally finish; good length.
Deep red; sweet leathery nose, cedary; rich, supple, dense, tannic, reserved, good concentration, splendid fruit; very good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet lush nose, refined, slightly cedary; medium-bodied, elegant, not much weight but well balanced, no harsh tannin, soft and fully mature with a lively finish; medium length.
Deep red, fairly mature; sweet but slightly stewed nose, leathery, intense; sweet, minty, quite intense, not much complexity but has good fruit and concentration, slight dryness on finish; quite good length.
Deep red; sweet cedary nose, tight; rather lean and hard, pronounced acidity, lacks fruit; medium length.
Very deep red, considerable maturity; dense rather minty nose,; rich, dense, concentrated, burly, not much elegance but considerable power, formidable tannins and a dry finish; medium length.
Fairly deep red; light nose; medium-bodied, quite stylish, not too extracted but unexciting, reasonable acidity; quite good length.
Deep ruby; subtle nose, light oakiness; medium-bodied, fairly rich and tannic, austere now, blunt, lacks vivacity; fairly good length.
Fairly deep red; slightly stalky nose; medium-bodied, fairly light, supple but with little complexity and structure, dry finish; medium length.
Fairly deep red; firm oaky nose; rounded, a bit dilute, light tannin, lacks charm, youthful and gawky; medium length.
Deep red; reserved nose; rich, rounded, ripe tannins, fruit rather muted now but good potential; quite good length.
Deep red; reserved cassis nose; softer than expected, plush, ripe tannins, concentrated, broad-shouldered, chocolatey finish; good length.
Deep red; rich earthy nose, dense, oaky, cedary; rich, silky, ample tannin, earthy, still youthful; quite good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet ripe fleshy nose; soft, rich, fleshy, almost jammy, forward, has some tannin and should keep well, lacks some elegance; quite good length.
Fairly deep red, some maturity; sweetish Cabernet nose, very attractive; sweetish, soft, still some tannic backbone but ready, an earthy finish; quite good length.
Deep red; sweetish oaky nose, has charm; medium-bodied, has charm and elegance, light tannin, not that concentrated, but fresh and balanced; quite good length.
Deep red; rich but muted nose, vanilla, elegant; rich, sumptuous, very concentrated, spicy, fine acidity, elegant, low-keyed and no blockbuster but excellent balance, tannic finish but no harshness; good length.
Deep red; rich sweet fleshy nose, fine lift of new oak; rich, stylish, well balanced, but lacks some depth and charm, concentrated but chunky, a touch dour for Margaux; good length.
Very deep red; dense closed oaky nose; soft, rich, dense, bitter chocolate, concentrated but austere, not without finesse, very closed; good length but a slightly bitter finish.
Deep red; beautiful nose, sweet, leafy, truffley, delicate, new oak well integrated, already meaty; quite rich, very concentrated, splendid fruit, has depth and power, lovely acidity on aftertaste, impeccable balance, delicious; very good length.
Deep red, some signs of maturity on rim; closed nose, cassis, but inexpressive; quite rich, no blockbuster, still tannic and even a touch dry, yet has a sweet finish, a bit hollow and lacking in complexity now; quite good length.
Deep red, no sign of maturity; closed on nose, a touch rubbery, lacks finesse, minty; rich dense, chunky, still closed, very concentrated and sweet fruit comes through on finish, powerful, fine acidity, impressive but needs time; very good length.
Deep red; supple nose, ripe, has charm, a lot of oak; rich, ripe, succulent, concentrated, lively, impeccable, fine balance and acidity, delicious and pure; good length.
Very deep red; sweet vibrant minty nose, assertive, powerful and intense, showing very well; soft, rich, dense, very concentrated, fine depth, good acidity; very good length.
Deep red, a little maturity. Sweet leafy nose, ripe and almost gamy but not blowsy or raisiny (unlike some 82s). Sweet, sumptuous, lush if a touch obvious, but with great concentration and depth. A lot of oak underpinning the fruit. Atypical in its sweetn
Fairly deep mature red; austere chocolatey nose, smoky; stern, austere, a touch green, lacks fruit and charm but quite concentrated; quite good length.
Deep red; sweet ripe nose, lovely fruit; soft, plump, rather light, quite high acidity, lean aftertaste, good but not great; quite good length.
Fairly deep red, hardly any sign of age; sweet intense nose, complex, spicy, cedary; rich, sweet, concentrated, certainly mature but good acidity, a touch raisiny on finish but delicious with Margaux elegance and intensity; quite good length. (Magnum)
Deep red; oak dominates the nose, too woody now; soft, lush, accessible, reasonable concentration but a touch bland, fair acidity, rather blunt tannins; quite good length.
Deep red, some maturity; elegant oaky nose; medium-bodied, a bit chunky, spicy, good acidity; quite good length.
Deep red; sweet rich cassis nose, oaky; plump, rich, oaky, hefty but with a core of solid fruit, tannic, has swagger and persistence; good length.
Opaque red; reserved nose, with sweet oaky Cabernet aromas; plump, rich, dense, no unripeness but lacks some charm and flesh, rather formidable, needs time; good length.
Fairly deep red; sweetish nose, not much fruit definition; soft, supple, lacks grip but has some underlying tannin, lacks flair and vigour; medium length.
Very deep red; closed nose, chocolatey and dense; very rich, sumptuous, ample weight and body, concentrated, tannic but not astringent, complex, assertive, blackberries and plums, a fine 1991; good length.
Fairly deep red; sweet firm nose, quite elegant, touch of mint-leaf; soft, reasonable concentration, lacks flair, medium-bodied, balanced but unexciting; medium length.
Fairly deep mature red; light sweet vanilla nose; rich, dense, a touch musty, tough tannins, burly; good length.
Deep red, some maturity; sweetish nose, slightly herbaceous, cherries, liquorice, mature but not tiring; soft, plump, rich, very concentrated, spicy, lively acidity, succulent, no dryness, very solid; very good length.
Deep firm red, little sign of maturity; superb nose, dense, chocolatey, smoky; rich, compact, just a hint of astringency but delicious and deep, impressive, a bit chunky but not inelegant, still quit youthful; good length.
Fairly deep red; light elegant nose, attractive fruit; medium-bodied, quite rich fruit behind it, supple, light tannins; medium length.
Fairly deep red; ripe elegant charming nose, slight mintiness; medium-bodied but full-flavoured, lively tannins, well balanced and stylish, has charm and persistence; quite good length.
Deep red; muted liquorice nose; rich, plump, lively, slightly dry tannins, lively acidity, not much depth but sound; quite good length.
Deep red; lovely ripe Cabernet nose, aromatic, ripe cherries; rich, plump, fleshy fruit enclosed in ripe tannins, delicious if not weighty, firm spicy finish; quite good length.
Deep red, firm colour; bacony cedary nose, blackcurrant, complex and impressive; soft, rich, dense, chocolatey, spicy, just about ready, concentrated and balanced; quite good length.
Very deep red; closed nose; dense, earthy, tannic, austere, concentrated but lacks fruit; quite good length.
Fairly deep red, considerable maturity; reserved nose, delicate; soft, surprisingly rich and supple, harmonious, reasonable concentration if not much acidity; medium length, peppery finish.
Very deep red; discreet elegant oaky nose; rich, austere, bold blackberry flavours, a lot of oak but very closed; good length.
Deep red; fairly rich cedary nose, spicy, vigorous; quite rich, hint of unripe tannins, concentrated, spicy, chunky finish, charmless but may well, improve; quite good length.
Very deep red; superb nose, cassis, coffee, black fruits, very classy, already open and opulent and oaky, elegant; rich, fleshy, very concentrated, velvety, excellent depth, racy, has great potential; very good length.
Very deep red; brambly cassis nose; rich, very tannic, chocolatey, burly, powerful, great extract but doesn't have the finesse of 90, will be sumptuous; excellent length.
Very deep red; surprising charm on nose, vanilla, delicate and sweet; delicate on palate too, though clearly tannic and structured, stylish, oak shows through now, fine acidity; very good length.
Deep red, no sign of maturity and almost opaque; still closed on nose, brambly, chocolatey, oaky sweetness; very rich and powerful, dense and very tannic, inexpressive now, splendid concentration, a magnificent wine; very good length.
Very deep red; sumptuous nose, chocolate, lush and opulent; rich, plump, concentrated, gorgeous, spicy, quite evolved but has underlying power and depth; very good length.
Big velvety colour, fine nose of black currants with a hint of violets, supple and ripe and beautifully elegant, quite ripe, a fine plump Pauillac. (Tasted en primeur)
Antique Wine Company, London (020 7359 1109), Davy’s of London branches (020 7407 9670), everywine.co.uk, Fine & Rare Wines, London W10 (020 8960 1995), Houlton Wines, www.houltonwines.co.uk (01472 752 525), Robert Rolls & Co, London EC1 (020 7606 1166),
Very good colour, fine density of fruit and open and supple style, showing lots of oak, quite rich and toasty flavours, supple and seductive, but still plainly Pauillac. (Tasted en primeur)
Bordeaux Wine Investments, Sevenoaks, Kent (01732 779 343), Farr Vintners, London SW8 (020 7821 2000), Haynes, Hanson & Clark, Glocs (01451 870808) or London (020 7259 0102), R&B Wines (01205 871 172), Frank Stainton, Cumbria (01539 731 886)
Very good intense colour, rich and velvety on the sides of the glass. Ripe, concentrated black currant fruit, richly extracted, slight tobacco hints, rich and savoury on the palate, good concentration, slightly rough tannins at the moment, but enough ripe
Deep colour. Very fine style with lovely berry fruit, lingering aroma, sweetness on the attack and fresh finish. Very attractive drinking wine. Ready 2004-2008. (Tasted en primeur)
Very deep red; very rich, ultra-ripe Merlot nose, dense, still reserved, opulent; lush, upfront, sumptuous, full-bodied, smoky, oaky but well integrated, lacks a touch of complexity but exotic; good length.
(From cask) Very deep red; dense closed cassis nose, inexpressive now; very rich, sumptuous, silky, great depth and huge extract, very ripe tannins, excellent balance; excellent length.
Deep red; classic Pauillac nose, dense oaky Cabernet fruit, magnificent; rich, chunky, closed up, concentrated, very chocolatey, powerful and intense, big wine but very complex; very good length.
Deep red; sweet oaky nose, slightly baked; medium-bodied, minty, oaky, lacks some weight, quite stylish but somehow disappointing with a slightly cooked character, good acidity and length.
Very deep red; huge chunky dense nose; rich, very tannic, great depth, tremendous concentration, still needs time powerful but beautifully structured, magnificent, will age and probably improve for decades, a great Latour; very good length.
Fairly deep brick-red; sweetish nose, cedar, mushroomy; soft but stalky, drying out, quite butter finish; fairly short. Drink fast.
Medium-deep brick-red; sweet cedary nose; soft, easygoing, mature, some astringency, spicy, not bad but drink up; medium length.
Very deep red, but considerable maturity; dense rich nose, excellent fruit, robust; dense, tannic, burly, plenty of alluring Cabernet fruit but till overpowering, lacks elegance now, but tremendous potential despite its ag |
