Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Haut Bages Liberal is a bit subdued to begin, unfurling to offer glimpses at mature stewed plums and warm figs scents with touches of mossy tree bark, unsmoked cigars and truffles. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers lovely freshness and well-managed, approachable tannins, finishing on a mineral note.
The NV Rosé Prestige Brut Premier Cru is a generous and well-structured blend of Pinot Noir (90%, from Vertus, the Marne Valley and the Montagne de Reims) and Chardonnay (Côte des Blancs) that shows a very nice, medium-intense salmon color. The wine opens with a delicately aromatic but also spicy-flavored nose of red fruits (raspberries, cherries) and reveals a delicate and fresh yet intense, round and elegant palate with a very fine mousse and a good, cleansing finish.
A simple, straightforward bouquet of almond cookies intermixed with a hint of pineapple is followed by a medium-bodied, moderately sweet Sauternes without a great deal of distinction or complexity.
The 2007 Talbot has a pleasant, classic nose of singed leather and game, a little muffled compared to its peers. But there is a sense of charm that I like, and it speaks of its appellation origin. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth texture. It lacks depth and grip but is nicely balanced with a cedar-tinged finish.
It has an inky purple color and a stunning nose of spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry fruit as well as touches of incense and graphite. Medium to full-bodied and stunningly concentrated,
A dense plum/purple color is accompanied by sweet cassis and black currant aromas, broad, round, juicy fruit flavors, medium body, and hints of figs, spice box and cedar.
It has a perfumed, quite feminine bouquet with wilted rose petals infusing the red berry fruit. This seems very composed and refined. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, fine focus and plenty of freshness and vigor towards the lightly spiced finish.
Dense ruby/purple and still youthful and exuberant, with oodles of cassis and incense, the 2005 Lafon-Rochet is medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannin and a long finish.
An inky/purple color is followed by aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, blackberries, charcoal, coffee and licorice. Exceptionally full-bodied with velvety tannins
It has a light bouquet with fresh pear and dewy green apple, perhaps more like a Puligny in style than Meursault. The palate is crisp on the entry with touches of honeycomb and dried mango. There is moderate weight in the mouth, while the finish has a pleasing waxy texture and fine, crisp acidity that combines nicely with the 25% new oak. Fine.
A surprisingly Burgundy-like bouquet with ample red cherries, candied strawberry and redcurrant scents, the Merlot clearly more conspicuous than the Cabernet Franc, at least for now. The palate is medium-bodied with just a touch of coarseness on the entry.
Château Grand Puy Lacoste is an exceptional wine from Xavier Borie. It has a brilliant nose of blackberry, crushed stone, graphite and cedar.he palate is smooth and silky, cloaking the tannic frame of this GPL so that you barely notice it.