Bordeaux

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 92 points.

“Stephan von Neipperg’s splendid 50-acre vineyard on clay and limestone soils has once again produced a beautifully ripe, concentrated, textured, sensual wine of both power and elegance. The 2006, an unfined, unfiltered blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, reveals sweet aromas of fruitcake, cassis, black cherries, roasted herbs, cedar, and spice box. This pure, textured, forward beauty should drink well for 12-15+ years.” February 2009

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 91-94 points.

“Stephan von Neipperg’s flagship estate (and, in my opinion, one that should have been upgraded to a premier grand cru classe in the new St.-Emilion hierarchy) has turned in another stunning performance. A blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, from small yields of 35 hectoliters per hectare, the 2006 exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as scents of creme de cassis, pain grille, espresso roast, chocolate, and spicy roasted herbs. Dense, medium to full-bodied, and surprisingly opulent for a 2006, with oodles of fruit, and terrific structure as well as purity, it is a more noble expression of Neipperg’s other St.-Emilion, Clos de l’Oratoire. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2024.” April 2007

Soft and approachable, this fruit forward claret has immediate appeal. Concentrated black cherry aromas dominate the nose alongside herb and sweet spice hints. The palate shows earthy and more savoury characters and is rounded with a pleasing mouthfeel, all very well balanced.

Château Chasse-Spleen

Château Chasse-Spleen is a leading estate in Moulis. Although classified as a Cru Bourgeois, it regularly outperforms many of the Médoc’s more renowned classed growths.

A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. It is matured in oak barriques (40% new) for 18 months and is bottled unfiltered.

– TO THE EYE : A beautiful, intense sparkling garnet red. When held up to the light, crimson and violet tints can be detected. Incomparable brilliance.
– ON THE NOSE : From the outset the powerful, harmonious bouquet releases roasted-coffee notes along with hints of mocha and Tonka beans wrapped up in a delicious vanilla-tinged woodiness, all backed up by spicier aromas in which notes of clove and pepper stand out.
– AFTER AIRING : As the bouquet evolves the dominant notes are defined against a mineral backdrop in which hints of graphite emerge, backed up by nuances of bitter cocoa and liquorice. After a few minutes of oxygenation, the aromatic structure intensifies and, in successive touches, more burnt notes of sandalwood and mild spices (cinnamon) appear.
– ON THE PALATE : The tannins are very silky, providing a smooth, delicate, supple texture without any excess woodiness. The texture of this suave, full wine gets richer as the tasting goes on but without the slightest aggressiveness, while the tannic structure is pleasingly pronounced. The finish is long-lasting and supple with mineral notes combining flavours of graphite and hot chocolate, all backed up by a lightly woody, fresh texture.

Tasting note elaborate by Thierry Nérisson, Sommelier

One of the best-run estates in the underrated and undervalued appellation of Cotes de Castillon is Chateau d’Aiguilhe, which is owned by Stephan von Neipperg. As with all of von Neipperg’s wines, Stephane Derenoncourt is the consulting winemaker. The blend is usually 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, although I did not see the statistics on this particular vintage. The 2010 (10,000 cases produced) achieved 14% natural alcohol from modest yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue, lots of cassis, crushed rock and floral characteristics, a round, generous, savory, broadly textured style and sweet tannins. Drink it over the next decade.

Fourcas-Hosten has long had a reputation as one of the best Châteaux in the commune of Listrac in the Médoc. This vintage is very classically profiled with a nose of cassis, cocoa, and cedar followed by a complex array of black and red fruits on the palate. Exceptionally well-balanced, this is a wine that can improve over the next couple of years, but is already a joy to drink. Jancis Robinson MW said “…quite an intriguing nose, full, firm and dramatic. Nicely balanced with polished tannins and very appetising, the type of wine that could be a pleasure to drink all its life.”

Wine Spectator 90 points  “There’s lovely fruit in this wine, with berry, chocolate and plum aromas and flavors. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. A very balanced Kirwan.” (03/09)

It is indeed a great Margaux classic. Wine Advocate-Parker : The 2014 Kirwan has a brisk raspberry and wild strawberry nose, a touch confit with rose petal scents emerging with time, the vanilla aspect observed in barrel now completely assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and well-judged acidity.

Opulent, lush, forward style of Margaux with good florality, sweet, ripe, round red fruits, a touch of smoke, cocoa and tobacco leaf, plush, polished tannins and a soft, silky finish. Still young, without much secondary development, give it at least 5 more years, or maybe a bit longer.

A strong effort for this vintage, the 2008 exhibits a dark plum/purple color, plenty of firm, rugged, austere tannins, copious red and black fruits, admirable flavor intensity and medium body. Cellar it for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 15.

Château Lafon-Rochet

Château Lafon-Rochet is a 4ème Cru Classé St-Estèphe estate that has been owned by the Tesseron family since 1959. The property has one of the best terroirs in Bordeaux: its one block of 45 hectares is on a gravelly rise not far from Pauillac, and overlooks first growth Lafite Rothschild and second growth Cos d’Estournel.

– The bouquet is one of the most opulent we experienced this year, laced with ripe black fruits. The palate is amazingly harmonious, with gorgeous integration between oak and fruit, and the purity and precision is awesome. Beautifully balanced.