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 - Entre-Deux-Mers
Produced in Entre-Deux-Mers ("between two seas"), a picturesque region of Bordeaux sandwiched between the Garonne and the Dordogne rivers, this zesty Bordeaux blanc from the highly regarded 2010 vintage is a perfect all around summer white. Although most Entre-Deux-Mers is dominated by the assertive Sauvignon Blanc grape variety, Château Martinon's conscientious owner, Jerome Trolliet, favors Sémillon, using it for more than 60% of the blend, with Sauvignon Blanc (30%) and Muscadelle (10%) making up the rest. The emphasis on Sémillon yields a wine that is considerably more rich and savory than most Bordeaux Blanc. The floral and mineral scented 2010 Château Martinon offers juicy lemon, citrus, and marmalade fruit, which makes it an ideal accompaniment to oysters (the classic match), fish, grilled poultry, and light meats. It is also a great choice to sip all by itself, with the sea breezes blowing.
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend | Location: France - Bordeaux
This is one of our first arrivals from the highly regarded 2010 vintage, and if the delectable style of this modestly priced petite château is any indication, wine lovers are going to be arguing for decades over which is the greater vintage, 2010 or 2009. Made from a blend of 50% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Cabernet Franc, this fruit-forward wine, from the northern part of the Entre Deux Mers appellation, is made by Jean Lobre and his two sons, whose family has owned Bellevue Rougier for four generations. Absolutely ready to drink now, this easy-drinking Bordeaux offers oodles of soft, spicy fruit, lightly seasoned by notes of red berries, Provençal herbs, and cedar. Although it has sufficient stuffing to match with main courses of meat or poultry, this wine is also delicious by itself or with light cheeses.
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 - Premières Côtes de Blaye
WA 88
This is a wonderfully elegant wine with ripe fruit, excellent concentration, and good complexity. Should drink well young and continue to get better for several years.
-- CW Wine Staff (April 2011)
We've been carrying the Thieuley wines forever and they're always consistently good. Lots of upfront fruit leads to a nice, clean finish. The concentration is there but the tannins are soft so it should be drinking well early.
-- CW Wine Staff (April 2011)
Also from the innovative Jonathan Maltus, this easy to drink bargain has sweet, cherry-like fruit in the nose. It has bright and lively flavors that are balanced nicely with soft tannins. Lots to enjoy here. -- CW Wine Staff (April 2011)
This sturdy red has enticing aromas of blackberry, spice and espresso, with a dense and long finish. Should show nicely in 4-5 years. -- CW Wine Staff (April 2011)
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend | Location: France - Bordeaux - Premières Côtes de Blaye
WA 88
This medium to full-bodied red has attractive aromas of roasted fruit with nice black cherry and ripe plum flavors that surround a good, sturdy structure. The finish is fresh and long.
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend | Location: France - Sauternes - Barsac
WA 93
The Doisy-Vedrines has a refined bouquet of lemon curd, dried honey and just a touch of quince, perhaps not quite as rich as recent vintages, but very well-defined. The palate is well-balanced, with a touch of lime cordial and passion fruit on the entry, and zesty acidity and impressive precision towards the taut, slightly spicy rich finish. Returning after an hour, this sample has enhanced clarity and volume, and subsequent encounters confirm a very promising Doisy-Vedrines.The Doisy-Vedrines has a refined bouquet of lemon curd, dried honey and just a touch of quince, perhaps not quite as rich as recent vintages, but very well-defined. The palate is well-balanced, with a touch of lime cordial and passion fruit on the entry, and zesty acidity and impressive precision towards the taut, slightly spicy rich finish. Returning after an hour, this sample has enhanced clarity and volume, and subsequent encounters confirm a very promising Doisy-Vedrines. -- Neal Martin
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend | Location: France - Bordeaux - Fronsac
WA 92
"Another impressive Fronsac, Villars' 2010 possesses an extra level of concentration as well as a dense purple color, hints of graphite, spring flowers, blue and black fruits, good tannin, sweet fruit and a lingering finish. It should drink well for a decade or more."
(Sleeper of the Vintage and one of the Vintage's Top Performers)
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend | Location: France - Bordeaux - Haut-Médoc
WA 89
This wine has an attractive Haut-Medoc nose with black fruits and earth and a tight structure with a long and focused finish. (tasted twice)
-- CW Wine Staff (April 2011)