Varietal: Bordeaux Blend | Location: France - Bordeaux - Haut-Médoc
WS 88
WA 89
We've been following Belle-Vue for years and this is another great one. It has a dark purple color and an exotic and spicy nose with a hint of vanilla. The tannins are dense, but sweet and round. It has excellent concentration of fruit. (tasted twice) CW Wine Staff (April 2011)
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend | Location: France - Bordeaux - Haut-Médoc
Our friend, owner Francois Nony, just keeps raising the bar at Caronne! A perennial winner, his 2010 has a nice bit of blackcurrant in the nose, with well-integrated, ripe tannins. There are attractive Medoc earth flavors that carry through into a long and elegant finish. (tasted twice including once at the chateau) -- CW Wine Staff (April 2011)
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend | Location: France - Bordeaux - Pomerol
WA 93
This estate, which enjoys a fabulous location on the high plateau of Pomerol with neighbors such as Lafleur, Vieux-Chateau-Certan, Petrus and La Fleur Petrus, should produce even greater wines. While I long for a return to the fabulous Certan de Mays of the early and mid-eighties, the 2010 is an impressive effort. Aromas of black fruits intermixed with an iron-like character, soil, oak and earth undertones emerge from this full-bodied, masculine, borderline rustic wine. With abundant concentration as well as elevated tannins, this Pomerol will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030+. This estate, which enjoys a fabulous location on the high plateau of Pomerol with neighbors such as Lafleur, Vieux-Chateau-Certan, Petrus and La Fleur Petrus, should produce even greater wines. While I long for a return to the fabulous Certan de Mays of the early and mid-eighties, the 2010 is an impressive effort. Aromas of black fruits intermixed with an iron-like character, soil, oak and earth undertones emerge from this full-bodied, masculine, borderline rustic wine. With abundant concentration as well as elevated tannins, this Pomerol will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030+. -- Robert Parker
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: France - Bordeaux
Made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, Ch'teau du Cros is made in a refreshing fruit forward style, and offers notable Bordeaux savoir-faire. The flavors are a well-balanced m?lange of citrus, lemon/lime zest and light minerality, with a dash of Proven?al herbs rising toward the finish. The youthful fruit on the palate is nicely framed by bracing acidity, a hallmark of the fine 2010 Bordeaux vintage for both whites and reds.
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend | Location: France - Bordeaux - Pauillac
WS 92
WA 94
This large estate (190 acres) has been on a qualitative rise for nearly a decade. A classic Pauillac, the opaque purple-colored 2010, a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, reveals beautiful notes of creme de cassis, licorice, tobacco leaf and forest floor. Bigger and more muscular than most previous vintages, this full-bodied Pauillac possesses stunning density as well as intensity. Atypically high in alcohol for this property, it requires 5-7 years of cellaring and should age effortlessly for 25-30 years. This large estate (190 acres) has been on a qualitative rise for nearly a decade. A classic Pauillac, the opaque purple-colored 2010, a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, reveals beautiful notes of creme de cassis, licorice, tobacco leaf and forest floor. Bigger and more muscular than most previous vintages, this full-bodied Pauillac possesses stunning density as well as intensity. Atypically high in alcohol for this property, it requires 5-7 years of cellaring and should age effortlessly for 25-30 years. -- Robert Parker