WINE REVIEWS
2019 Chateaux
Mouton Rothschild
Clerc Milon
Chateau Mouton Rothschild is a Classified First Growth in Pauillac that encompasses 222 acres of vineyards grown in gravelly-stone subsoils. Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild acquired the property in the 18th century. In 1922 it was passed down to Baron Philippe de Rothschild and after his death in 1988, his daughter Baroness Philippine de Rothschild held the estate. Managing director Philippe Dhaullin's innovations were instrumental in elevating the celebrity status of this chateau and the style of their wines.
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Chateau Mouton Rothschild:
Mouton continues to overachieve under the direction of Philippe Dhaullin. With 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has an impenetrable opaque color with pure scents of wildflowers and a potpourri of Mediterranean spices. It gracefully coats your palate with a compote of dense black and blue fruits, revealing an abundance of sophistication. The tannins are finely grained throughout and the finish persists until the next day. A rock star of the vintage, this flawlessly crafted wine should effortlessly evolve for decades.
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Chateau de Clerc Milon:
The Clerc Milon is almost Northern Rhone-like in style. Shades of deep crimson expose an opulent core framed with roasted coffee, saddle leather and cedar. It is medium to full-bodied in style and packed to the brim with dark red plums. This multidimensional wine is mouth-filling and balanced at the same time. Approachable with freshness at every turn, it will lead you to a memorable finale.
2019 Chateau
Cos D'Estournel
Pagodes De Estournel
Established as a second growth in the Bordeaux classification of 1855, this chateau is often referred to as a “super second” as its wines excel above others. They have had five owners since it was founded in 1811 by Louis Gaspard d’Estournel. French food manufacturer, Michel Reybier, is the present owner. Advances have been made under the direction of their technical director, Dominique Arangoits.
Chateau Cos D'Estournel:Aromas of purple violets and lavender invite you inside. The ebony fabric of this wine is layered with crushed blackberries, melted chocolate and graphite that caresses the palate. This stunning Cos is built on balance and softly textured tannins. It is an intellectual effort by technical director Dominique Arangoits. The mid-palate is finesse driven and inviting, showcasing the terroir of the estate. It glides across the palate like a Broadway performer.
Pagodes de Cos:
The opaque red ruby color showcases warm fruits of dark raspberries and crème de cassis. There are elements of saddle leather, licorice and crushed stones blended with fresh orchard fruits. This Pagodes has plenty of charm and over-delivers at the price.
2019 Chateaux
Leoville Poyferre´
Moulin Riche
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Located in the appellation of Saint Julien, between Margaux and Pauillac, this estate is recognized as a Second Classified Growth and was established in 1638. Since 1979 it had been under the direction of Didier Cuvelier. Currently
Sara Lecompte-Cuvelier is guiding its future course.
Chateau Leoville Poyferre:
Varying shades of magenta and purple revel a wine that flaunts it’s extroverted personality. Beneath are macerated black plums and lilacs seamlessly melded together with Asian spices. The textures and layers in this wine seem endless. It is concentrated and harmonious at the same time with some undercurrents of mocha and graphite. An impressive and noteworthy achievement.
Chateau Moulin Riche:
The high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (69%) draws you in with scents of spring flowers and warm fruits. This crème de cassis and black cherry fruit driven wine offers a medium-bodied core. The framework is silky and textured with juicy tannins. This is not a second wine, but instead a distinct chateau that is situated more inland.
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2019 Chateau
Pichon Baron de Longueville
Les Tourelles de Longueville
This majestic estate was founded in the late 17th century. In 1850 the property was divided in two parcels. Baron Raoul Pichon de Longueville’s section became the Pichon Baron estate. The second section, belonged to his three sisters, became Pichon Comtesse. In 1987 the estate was bought by AXA Millesimes, whose aim was to enable great wines from the vineyards with a glorious past to achieve their full potential.
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Chateau Pichon Baron de Longueville:
Exotic blackberry and boysenberry compote. With a very high concentration of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%)this wine has a beautiful bouquet that leaps out of the glass with crème de cassis fruit and classic Pauillac notes of graphite and pipe tobacco. It is dense and concentrated with layers of black fruit, minerality and spiciness, but still processes incredible balance that finishes with finely integrated tannins that give it a silky texture. This wine will provide enjoyment for decades to come.
Les Tourelles de Longueville:
Deep purple, black in color. On the nose there is plum, blackberry, loamy earth, pencil led, black licorice and a hint of pepper. This wine has weight and is mouth-filling with chewy tannins. The finish is long with an earthiness that sails through to the end. This is a seductive Pauillac.
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By Perry Miroballi
2019 Chateau
Canon-La-Gaffeliere
Clos L'Oratoire
Situated on the southern slope in the village of Saint Emilion. Stephan von Neipperg acquired the estate in 1971 and became the “custodian of 800 years of winegrowing tradition.”
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Cannon La Gaffeliere:
With a composite of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this deep purplish wine has pure black liqueur-like fruit that stains the glass. Rich espresso and dark mocha are intertwined with supple tannins and plenty of finesse. While there is a real sense of power within, this wine flaunts its lushness and balance as it remains approachable.
Clos De L’Oratoire: Deep purple with undertones of Cabernet Franc that reveal a briary bouquet of mixed berries. Beneath there is a garigue element of provincial herbs. The tannins are ripe and finely grained. While this wine may take days or weeks to fully open, the path will lead you along a very enjoyable journey.
2019 Chateau
Smith Haut-Lafitte
Rouge & Blanc
Scottish wine merchant, George Smith acquired this Graves property in the 18th century. Beginning in 1990 Daniel and Florence Cathiard have owned and managed this estate, modernizing all aspects. They have employed innovative winemaking techniques with organic farming methods.
Smith Haut-Lafitte Rouge:
Ebony black in color with aromas of purple violets and lavender. This saturated wine offers savory fruits of boysenberry, blackberry and loganberry. The fruit is focused and opulent, expressing the true terroir of Pessac-Leognan. There are notes of graphite and pencil lead intertwined into the ripe, supple tannins. The long mid-palate is evidence that this is a very age-worthy wine.
Smith Haut-Lafitte Blanc:
This is another stylish and well-executed white from Smith-Haut Lafitte. The aromas speak to you in different languages. Orange zest, melon, white peach and fruitcake spices are harmoniously wound together. The textured core of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Semillion is expansive and concentrated, keeping your attention throughout the night.