Bordeaux 2011 en primeur results (Part 8)

Phone number and email adress have changed: New phone number: 0033951067542 New e-mail address: jmquarin@quarin.comReport 8 (April, 24th)SAINT ESTEPHE, SAINT-JULIEN, PAUILLAC 2011 : 74 wines 2011 is a particularly inconsistent vintage in the Médoc. As in Pomerol, the gap between the greatest terroirs – or should I say the most affluent estates – and the rest of the appellation is significant. If money can indeed be a source of stability, it does not necessarily go hand in hand with resourcefulness and imagination. But the art of wine-making is at the crossroads of good management and vision. To imagine and create, wealthy estates need man’s audacity - which will in turn nourish the wine enthusiasts who buy the top labels as it is, after all, what makes us tick. With this in mind, I have given 4 “Coup de Coeur” labels in the Médoc this year, two of which you will find in this report. The weather pattern and the necessities of good management have not necessarily kept the less prestigious estates away from success in 2011. The passion and originality that I have seen at Clos Manou, for instance, or Rémy Fauchey’s drive and talent at Inclassable are proof of it. There is no fatality – only people who insist on defending their traditional position or who choose to delight us all with new daring moves – regardless of the type of property they come from. But what is really new in Médoc in 2011, is the high proportion of cabernet sauvignon or cabernet franc in the blends - to me, a historical benchmark which is more telling than the year’s inconsistency. In the early 2000s, château Margaux and château Latour broke new grounds when they rejected an increasingly high percentage of their merlots from the grand vin – not because they were not up to the required standard but because the quality of the cabernet sauvignon, groomed and tended by a more careful than ever viticulture approach, had surpassed them. So it took 10 years for less reputed estates to follow suit – though some are yet to jump on the band wagon. We should be grateful for the erratic weather pattern in 2011, and the stress it induced on the merlot on graves, as it gave the châteaux the opportunity to make change a reality. When we see how beautiful the cabernets sauvignons produced on the top Médoc terroirs are, it is hard to believe that those who have had a taste of the change can ever go back and reverse the trend. Some will take 20 to 30 years to reshuffle their vineyards, pull merlot out and replant plots with cabernet sauvignon. Montrose, Calon Ségur, Pichon Comtesse, Pichon Baron, Léoville Barton, Léoville Las Cases have never had such a high percentage of cabernets in their blends - and nor have many Margaux crus. The most striking change took place at Pichon Comtesse, well-known for being planted with a particularly high percentage of merlot. The successful and well-inspired move is down to Philippe Moureau, the estate’s new manager, whose audacious decision was approved by the owner (Roederer) - and incidentally gave the quality of its second vin a great boost. As for inventiveness, Montrose is the first estate to print “the 2011 blends are now assembled and in barrels” on the coasters used for the en primeur presentations. I really appreciate their commitment – so much so that I have asked for a signed coaster that I will have framed. The funniest, or the most worrying, thing is that many professionals who stopped by at Montrose did not quite understand the true meaning of the sentence and what it says about the dedication of a label that sells its wine en primeur. On September 1st, 90 mm of water fell on the Saint-Estèphe appellation and a devastating hail storm severely hit much of the vineyard. The harvest had to be brought forward. 2011 is a moderate quality vintage for the appellation - many of the wines lacking real power on the palate. Calon Ségur is the only classed growth not to have been hit by hail. Pauillac produced many delicious wines whose true range should be revealed at the elevage. For the first time ever, Pichon Baron is on a par with the first growths. Saint-Julien is the most consistent appellation. Once again, the middle kingdom, set between Pauillac and Margaux, has managed a very good vintage boasting the most juicy and appetising tannins in the Médoc. With alcohol contents around 13°, low pHs and a good tannins index, often similar to that of 2010, the leading labels are poised for a slow evolution once they are bottled. They will be ready to drink 10 years after bottling and will keep until 2040. I will, of course, monitor their progress during the elevage. Scores from 15 (86) upwards point to the most dynamic estates. Below that score, the wines show less substance, length and personality. This year, such wines are all extremely similar. I have simply given them scores. The price will make all the difference and they will be best enjoyed within the next 10 years. Below the 14 (84) threshold, the wines lack substance, length, fruit and a real quality of tannins. Even if cheap, they are of no interest. ANDRON BLANQUET Saint-Estèphe 13,75 - 14 // 83 - 84 BATAILLEY Pauillac 15,5 - 15,75 // 87 - 88 Deep rich garnet hue. Lifted nose of mature fruit. Caressing, pleasant mid-weight palate offering lovely taste and well-coated tannins on finish. Moderate length. BEAU SITE Saint-Estèphe 14,5 // 85 BELLEGRAVE Pauillac 15 // 86 Fairly intense garnet hue. Nose of fruit. Juicy and well-balanced performance. Run through with taste on the seamless palate. Average length and body. BEYCHEVELLE Saint-Julien 15,75 - 16 // 88 Deep purplish crimson with garnet hue. Vanilla and fruit on the nose, with just a hint of black pepper. Pretty, plump and ethereal entry followed by an elegant and delicately pulpy palate bursting with fruit and fulfilling its promises on finish where it appears laced with refine tannins and rich taste. Seductive and appealing, particularly if you are fond of perfumed wines with sophisticated tannins. Softness of merlot coming through from start to finish. A blend of 47% cabernet sauvignon, 47% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.BRANAIRE Saint-Julien 15,75 - 16 // 88 Deep purplish crimson. Mature fruit defining the nose. Silky, plump entry leading to a juicy and aromatic performance on the mid-weight palate. Tannins can be felt but are well-coated on finish. Delicious lingering length. CALON SEGUR Saint-Estèphe 16,75 // 91 The vineyards were not hit by hail. Vincent Millet presents us with a remarkable Calon Ségur - whose analyses show the same results as the 2010. Rich garnet hue. Subdued nose of fruit. Juicy and substantial from entry and offering wonderful fat and great tactile finesse on the palate. Unfurling plenty of savours after the mid-palate to the superb and complex finish where the delicate grain reflects the high percentage of cabernet sauvignon (78%) - 20% merlot and 2% petit verdot making up the rest of the blend. Alcohol content: 13°3- IPT:75- pH:3.75. Yield: 44hl/ha. Highly recommended. Its seductive softness bodes well for the future.CAPBERN GASQUETON Saint-Estèphe 15 // 86 This Saint-Estèphe estate has not been hit by hail. Deep, fairly intense garnet hue. Subdued nose of fruit. Juicy and aromatic on the palate, with fat tannins and run through with taste. Lovely expression of fruit on finish. Average length backed by fine-grained tannins. A blend of 74% cabernet sauvignon and 26% merlot. A word on the 2010: the promises it held en primeur are being confirmed; the wine is now graded 15.75.CARRUADES DE LAFITE Pauillac 16 // 88 - 89 Rich garnet hue. Suave and refine nose defined by mature fruit. Mellow palate laden with fruit and taste. More aromatic then tannic body. Beautifully elegant finish. A graceful, balanced and delicious wine. A blend of 55% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 2.5% petit verdot and 3.5% cabernet franc, whose quality the estate says was almost matching that of Lafite. Alcohol content 12°7. A beauty. CLAUZET Saint-Estèphe 15,5 - 15,75 // 87 - 88 Deep purplish crimson with garnet hues. Ripe fruit and vanilla defining the floral and refine nose. Pretty entry, laden with fruit. Plump mid-palate and moderate body. Well-built finish packed with taste and backed by refine scented tannins showing no rough edges. You'll get great enjoyment from this wine. CLERC MILON Pauillac 15,5 // 87 - 88 Beautiful rich garnet hue. Subtle nose of mature fruit. A touch discreet on entry then offering plenty of savours on the pleasant and mid-weight palate. Well-coated tannins. More austere than D'Armailhac this year. Expression of fruit still a little subdued at this stage. IPT: 80 (the same as last year - idem for acidity levels). We'll see what comes out of the elevage. CLOS DU MARQUIS Saint-Julien 16 // 88 - 89 Beautiful bright purplish crimson. Mature fruit on the elegant and clean nose. Seductive silky entry leading to a pulpy and rather mouth-filling palate given the year. Delicately threaded finish laced with chewy tannins. Good length. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc and 22% merlot. COS D'ESTOURNEL Saint-Estèphe The reason why I do not wish to sample this cru en primeur is explained in my Guide des Vins de Bordeaux. COS LABORY Saint-Estèphe 14,75 // 85 - 86 CROIZET BAGES Pauillac 14,75 // 85 - 86 D'ARMAILHAC Pauillac 15,75 - 16 // 88 A lovely success this year thanks to 13% cabernet franc. Beautiful rich garnet hue. Fresh, clean and generous scents of fruit and cream on the nose. Pretty and broad entry leading to a pure, thoroughly pleasant and dynamic palate with good balance of taste and elegance. Superb lingering and sappy length. Highly recommended. DE CÔME Saint-Estèphe 14,5 // 85 DE PEZ Saint-Estèphe 15,5 // 87 - 88 Some plots were hit by hail and have not been integrated in the blend. Beautiful deep garnet hue. Nose of fruit - a touch animal. Juicy, tasty and thoroughly pleasant palate layered with aromas to the sappy finish. Tannins can be felt (as often in Saint-Estèphe) but are not rugged. Average length. DU GLANA Saint-Julien 15,25 // 87 Deep rich garnet hue. Fruit and vanilla on the nose. Bursting with fruit on the soft and aromatic palate. Pretty pulp on the mid-palate backed by refine and scented tannins. Average length. DUHART MILON ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 16,25 // 89 Beautiful purplish crimson with garnet hues. Clean, extremely detailed and fruity nose. Voluptuous, mouth-filling and beautifully coated palate offering good structure and a tannic and layered length. Should gain even more polish at the elevage. Very nice indeed. A blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon and 25% merlot. ECHO DE LYNCH BAGES Pauillac 15 // 86 Deep rich garnet hue. Subdued vibrant nose of fruit, with hints of oak. Tasty entry. Substantial palate offering pulp and energy on finish. Good tasty length. FONBADET Pauillac 14,5 // 85 GLORIA Saint-Julien 15 // 86 Garnet hue. Nose of fruit. Soft delicate pulp on the fruity mid-weight palate laced with well-coated tannins. Average length. I expected it to be more tightly-knit and powerful. GRAND PUY DUCASSE Pauillac 15,5 // 87 - 88 Deep purplish crimson with garnet hues. Mature, lifted nose of fresh fruit. Plump, pretty entry followed by layers of aromas and fat on the mid-palate - but still fairly substantial. Average length backed by well-coated tannins. Very pleasant. GRAND PUY LACOSTE Pauillac 16,25 // 89 Beautiful purplish crimson with garnet hues. Refine nose of fruit. Soft entry leading to an extremely fruity and accomplished mid-palate with taste and elegant tannins. Sappy long finish where fruit and floral notes linger in the persistence. Refine expression of cabernet sauvignon. Good length. A blend of 72% cabernet sauvignon and 28 % merlot. GRUAUD LAROSE Saint-Julien 16 // 88 - 89 Deep garnet hue. Intense nose of fruit with delicately toasted and smoked notes. Juicy entry leading to tasty fruit on the palate then fat and substantial body on the mid-palate through to the sappy and rather powerful finish. A cru to watch. HAUT BATAILLEY Pauillac 15,75 - 16 // 88 Beautiful bright purplish crimson. Subdued nose of ripe fruit. Delicate pulp on entry then offering layers of fruit and aromas on the average body. Vibrant and tasty palate with well-coated tannins acting as backbone. Average length. Denser than previous vintages but still showing the usual restraint of the cru en primeur. HAUT BEAUSEJOUR Saint-Estèphe 14,5 // 85 HAUT MARBUZET Saint-Estèphe 14,75 // 85 - 86 L'ARGILUS DU ROI Saint-Estèphe 14,75 // 85 - 86 LA BRIDANNE Saint-Julien 15 // 86 Deep garnet hue. Vanilla and pure scents of fruit defining the nose. Velvety finesse of St Julien on the palate, with plenty of fruit. Tannic, moderate length. LA DAME DE MONTROSE Saint-Estèphe 15,5 // 87 - 88 Deep garnet hue. Nose of fruit. Juicy, round and substantial palate backed by well-coated tannins. Showing more nuances than ever before. Fine-grained tannins and lovely savours on finish. Good length. LA FLEUR PEYRABON Pauillac 15,25 // 87 Bright purplish crimson. Fruit and vanilla defining the vibrant nose. Lovely fruit on the pretty entry then followed by layers of aromas and substantial body on the mid-palate. Present finish backed by well-coated tannins. Average length. LACOSTE BORIE Pauillac 14,75 - 15 // 85 - 86 Pretty wine showing refine tannins and taste on the mid-weight palate - but above all seamless, soft and a source of great pleasure. LAFITE ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 17,75 // 94 - 95 Mid-september the Médoc was fretting about Lafite rounding off its harvest 2011 when others were only just starting on the merlot. Many professionals imagined botrytis had put pressure on the estate but when I put the question to him, Charles Chevalier, the estate manager, simply replied: “The berries were ripe”. Indeed, the wine is delicious and could well come out of the elevage the finest label in Médoc. Brilliant. Beautiful deep garnet hue. Clean, vibrant, subtle and floral nose of fruit - stunning. Gorgeous broad entry followed by superb flavours unfurling on the well-threaded and tightly- knit palate boasting sublime tactile finesse. Melting - and powerful - through to the incredibly long and tasty finish. Sheer delight for our taste buds. A truly magnificent wine. A blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. Alcohol content : 12.7 - pH : 3.75 - IPT :71 as in 2010. 37% of the yield selected for the grand vin.LAFON ROCHET Saint-Estèphe 15,75 - 16 // 88 Deep garnet hue. Vibrant ripe fruit and cream defining the nose. Well-threaded, very structured and full-bodied palate offering lift and plenty of fruit on the mid-palate and on finish. Showing sap on the substantial and delicious finish. Fine-grained tannins. Lovely - despite the damage caused by hail. LAGRANGE Saint-Julien 16,5 // 90 Garnet hue. Refine clean and floral nose of fruit - one of the most detailed in the appellation. Precise, plump entry leading to a delicately elegant fat palate bursting with flavours to the long lingering finish backed by present yet well-coated tannins. Utterly delicious and skilfully crafted wine. A blend of 62% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 6% petit verdot. Alcohol content: 13.1LANGOA BARTON Saint-Julien 16 // 88 - 89 Gorgeous dark purplish crimson. Refine, floral nose of fruit and vanilla. Plump, round and soft palate offering elegant fat and backed by deliciously chewy tannins. Good length. A wine of poise and finesse. LATOUR Pauillac 17,5 - 17,75 // 94 Beautiful rich garnet hue. Refine floral and fresh nose of fruit. Subtle entry followed by a fat, elegant and tightly-knit palate going crescendo to the deep, powerful and layered finish. Showing a linear and long character - more impressive on the back palate than on entry. Classic typical Bordeaux profile. A blend of 84.5% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot and 0.5% petit verdot. IPT:87- Alcohol content: 13°10- 34% of the yield selected for the Grand Vin. No crop-thinning took place at Château Latour this year. To be monitored again during the elevage. Just a note on the 2010: last year, Latour was for me the finest label of the vintage. When I sampled it again at a recent tasting, I graded it 20/20 i.e 100/100. LE CROCK Saint-Estèphe 14,75 - 15 // 85 - 86 LE PETIT LION Saint-Julien 15,5 - 15,75 // 87 - 88 Beautiful purplish crimson. Subtle and refine nose of fruit and cream. Silky entry leading to an aromatic palate laced with delicate tannins and offering a lovely creamy touch. Average length on finish. Very pleasant 54% merlot blend. LEOVILLE BARTON Saint-Julien 17 - 17,25 // 92-93 Beautiful garnet hue. Mature fruit on the elegant nose. Superbly broad and generous entry leading to a delicately fleshy palate - both voluptuous and linear- offering rich blackberry flavours. Rich complex finish with delicate scents and flavours coming to the fore. A stunner - reflecting the superb quality of the cabernet sauvignon. A blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot and 5% cabernet franc. The most striking feature remains its low alcohol content - a mere 12°5. Will be pure gold flowing seamlessly on your palate. Yield: 36hl/haLEOVILLE LAS CASES Saint-Julien 17,5 // 94 Rich purplish crimson. Elegant, deep and clean nose of ripe fruit - revealing dainty notes of vanilla with a hint of cherry upon swirling. More expressive than ever before en primeur. Delicately threaded and fleshy entry leading to a mouth-filling, generously aromatic and full-bodied palate through to the superbly regal finish laced with powerful yet elegant and well-coated tannins. Utterly delicious. Alcohol content: 13°4 - IPT:81 (75 for the 2010). A blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot and 12% cabernet franc. Yield: 27hl/ha. A beauty. LÉOVILLE POYFERRÉ Saint-Julien 17 // 92 Deep garnet hue. Lovely, refine, mellow and clean nose of ripe fruit and liquorice. Gorgeous, delicately threaded entry leading to a voluptuous, generous and juicy palate bursting with fruit and taste through to the delicately oaky persistence. Present but well-coated and chewy tannins on finish. High concentration of tannins (IPT 94). Should gain range at the elevage. A blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cabernet franc, 6% petit verdot and 30% merlot.LES FIEFS DE LAGRANGE Saint-Julien 15 - 15,25 // 86 - 87 Garnet hue. Nose of fruit - with a hint of tea-leaf. Bursting with fruit on the delicately pulpy mid-weight palate and offering a lovely sapid finish. Poise and finesse for this lovely second vin. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot and 6% petit verdot. LES FORTS DE LATOUR Pauillac 16,5 // 90 Bright purplish crimson with garnet hues. Clean and refine nose defined by fruit. Dainty entry leading to a melting and graceful palate laden with fruit. Floral, elegant finish. Utterly delicious. A blend of 61.5% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 0.5% cabernet franc, 3% petit verdot. Alcohol content: 13°08 - IPT: 84 - 43% of the yield selected for the first wine.LES ORMES Saint-Julien 14,5 // 85 LES TOURELLES DE LONGUEVILLE Pauillac 15,25 - 15,5 // 87 Deep rich garnet hue. Smokey, fruity nose with delicate scents of cocoa. Pretty entry leading to a more aromatic and detailed tactile performance than ever. Lifted lingering length with plenty of taste. 45% of the yield selected for the first wine. Yield: 30hl/ha. A blend of 60% merlot, 10% cabernet franc, 28% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.LILIAN LADOUYS Saint-Estèphe 14,75 // 85 - 86 LYNCH BAGES Pauillac 16,5 // 90 Deep rich garnet hues. Lush, refine nose of fruit with hints of cream - increasingly detailed since Jean-Charles Cazes took over. Gorgeous entry with great presence leading to a fat and threaded palate. Lovely streak of cream running on the mouth-filling and layered mid-palate. Bursting with savours of cabernet sauvignon on finish. Polished and utterly delicious. A blend of 72% cabernet sauvignon, 23% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.LYNCH MOUSSAS Pauillac 14,75 - 15 // 85 - 86 MARQUIS DE CALON Saint-Estèphe 15 // 86 Calon's second vin - this year a blend of 80% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon. Lovely hint of hazelnut and plenty of fruit on the nose with vibrant lift and shine induced by merlot in new oak. Lovely, juicy, round palate layered with aromas and taste and backed by well-coated tannins. Average length. MONTROSE Saint-Estèphe 16,75 // 91 As in any of the leading Médoc this year, the percentage of cabernet has never been so high in Montrose : 63% cabernet sauvignon and 12% cabernet franc made up by 22% merlot and 3% petit verdot. Rich garnet hue. Refine clean nose of mature fruit. Plump, mouth-filling and voluptuous palate offering present and well-coated tannins. Particularly layered and sappy finish followed by a great length. The estate was hit by hail - though not severely - but has coaxed the very best it could out of the year and openly says the final 2011 blend has already been assembled. MOULIN DE LA ROSE Saint-Julien 15,25 - 15,5 // 87 Beautiful bright purplish crimson. Fruit on the nose. Silky, structured palate run through with taste and backed by elegant tannins on finish. Average length. Very pleasant. MOULIN RICHE Saint-Julien 15 // 86 Deep garnet hue. Mature fruit on the nose. More than ever before offering a typical Saint Julien entry, with pretty pulp and plenty of fruit. No stiff tannins on finish. Aromatic and moderate persistence. MOUTON ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 17,5 // 94 Beautiful rich garnet hue. Very Mouton on the nose: clean, exotic, creamy and lush with the typically Mouton cassis streak. Voluptuous and pretty on entry then offering fat, plenty of fruit and lots of savours. Lifted structure. Plump and linear character showing on the well-coated and lingering length. Its profile is uncannily similar to that of the 2004. A blend of 90% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot and 3% cabernet franc. PAUILLAC 3ème vin du Château LATOUR Pauillac 15,25 // 87 Beautiful rich garnet hue. Clean and refine nose of fruit. Laden with fruit on the mellow and tasty mid-weigth palate run through with delicate creamy streaks. Average length and detailed tannins. PEDESCLAUX Pauillac 14,25 // 84 - 85 PETIT MOUTON DE MOUTON ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 15,25 // 87 Deep rich garnet hue. Subdued and delicately creamy nose. Structured, caressing and thoroughly pleasant palate with plenty of fruit. Deliciously soft tannins, with hints of liquorce. Moderate length. PHELAN SEGUR Saint-Estèphe 15,5 - 15,75 // 87 - 88 Deep purplish crimson. Great nose of fruit with delicate vanilla and toasted overtones. Plump on entry then mouth-filling, packed with fruit and tannic - extraction of fruit a touch marked on finish. Average length. We'll know more after the elevage. PIBRAN Pauillac 15 // 86 Deep rich garnet hues. Nose defined by mature, even extremely ripe fruit. Juicy, chewy and soft palate. Average length with fruit pleasantly coming back in the persistence. PICHON LONGUEVILLE BARON Pauillac 17,75 // 94 - 95 Coup de cœurThe cru's small yield and high percentage of cabernet sauvignon propelled it to the lead of the Pauillac labels. And that really becomes it! Well done! Highly recommended. Deep garnet hue. Gorgeous opulent nose of fruit and cocoa, subtle and clean. Stunning, voluptuous and fat entry leading to a powerful, plump and wonderfully tasty palate, packed with fruit and offering well-coated tannins. Generous and substantial body through to a superb, utterly delicious, wonderfully rich and subtle finish unfurling floral and fruit scents. A wine of the greatest finesse. A blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon and 18% merlot. Yield : 30hl/ha. Selection : 50% for the grand vin. It is worth noting that the percentage of cabernet sauvignon has never been so high (12%).PICHON LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE Pauillac 17 // 92 Coup de cœur Beautiful rich garnet hue. Sublime nose - I've never seen it so vibrant, so clean and so typically Medoc at this stage. Gorgeous fat and voluptuous entry leading to a juicy, powerful and aromatic performance, yet never parting with the greatest of finesse on the palate. As beautifully scintillating and stylish as ever, but 2011 adds extra sap and length, particularly after the mid-palate. Deep, lingering finish. It is worth noting that Pichon Comtesse 2011 has successfully managed to retain its fat character in a year reputed to be tannic, if not harsh. This is down to Philippe Moureau, the new manager and great wine-enthusiast, who decided to increase the proportion of cabernet sauvignon in the blend:78% cabernet sauvignon, 12%cabernet franc, 8% merlot and 2% petit verdot. So here is a 90% cabernet Pichon Lalande - a first for the estate and heralding what Pichon is set to become. Ever since the new owner (Roederer) took over, many of the plots have been replanted with cabernet sauvignon. This 2011 is on a par with the 2009 and 2010.PONTET CANET Pauillac 16,75 // 91 Beautiful rich garnet hue. Fresh, clean, moderately aromatic nose with plenty of fruit revealing blackberry scents and black fruit preserve overtones. Pretty and caressing entry leading to a linear performance with lots of savours and a very Pauillac character hidden behind the delicate flavours. Well-structured and offering well-coated and aromatic tannins on finish. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Yield: 32hl/ha. 90% of the yield selected for the Grand Vin.RESERVE DE LA COMTESSE Pauillac 15,5 // 87 - 88 My best score ever given to this cru en primeur. This year's success can easily be explained by Philippe Moureau's rigorous selection - he eliminated two 300hl vats usually meant for Pichon Comtesse and gave the quality of la Réserve an incredible boost. I have never seen it so mouth-filling and fat at the same time. Beautiful, rich garnet hue. Mature fruit and delicate cream defining the nose. Showing stunning balance and fat on the incredibly detailed palate. Gorgeous tannins acting as backbone on finish. A delight - and one of the top successes of the vintage. Highly recommended. SAINT PIERRE (Sevaistre) Saint-Julien 16,5 // 90 Garnet hue. Intense nose of delicate fruit with minty overtones. Offering pretty pulp on entry then fat and plenty of taste on the aromatic palate. Laced with firm but well-coated tannins after the mid-palate where it picks up momentum and power again. Lively vibrant length crammed with fruit. A wine of finesse. A blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. Alcohol content : 13° - IPT :84 SARGET DE GRUAUD LAROSE Saint-Julien 14,5 // 85 SERILHAN Saint-Estèphe 14,5 // 85 TALBOT Saint-Julien 15,5 // 87 - 88 Beautiful rich garnet hue. Clean and vibrant nose of fruit. Seductive plump entry leading to a soft, aromatic and tasty palate backed by elegant tannins. Juicy on the mid-palate and offering pulp from start to finish. Average and utterly pleasant length laced with fleshy tannins on finish. TEYNAC Saint-Julien 15 // 86 Garnet hue. Ripe fruit on the floral nose. Soft, juicy and aromatic palate picking up a lovely mellow expression after the mid-palate. Aromatic finish - a touch tannnic. Average length. Very pleasant. TOUR DE PEZ Saint-Estèphe 14,25 // 84 - 85 TOUR DES TERMES Saint-Estèphe 14,75 // 85 - 86 TRONQUOY LALANDE Saint-Estèphe 15 // 86 Bright purplish crimson. Mellow nose of ripe fruit, with hints of tar. Dense, round, tasty and substantial palate crammed with fruit. Well-coated tannins. Average length. A blend of 47% cabernet sauvignon, 42 % merlot and 11% petit verdot.TRONQUOY SAINTE ANNE Saint-Estèphe 13,75 // 83 Kind regards. Jean-Marc Quarin __________________________________________________________________________ © Copyright 2010. This publication is the original work of Jean-Marc Quarin Sarl, 10 allée de Ginouilhac, BP 40, Le Taillan-Médoc. France. - E-mail : jmquarin@quarin.com The news media and subscribing wine distributors, importers and retailers may use portions of this material (such as tasting notes, ratings or quotes) provided that it is not distorted, the proper wine and vintage are stated, www.quarin.com is given credit for the material utilized, and Jean-Marc Quarin (JMQ) is shown as the Copyright holder.

2011 Futures live

Bordeaux 2011 en primeur results (Part 8)

Subscribe

Subscription

Wine name	(Producer, appellation, etc.)