Bordeaux 2001 and Tastingnotes
Red Bordeaux 2001
To generalise, with the exception of 2000 and 2002, 2001 is the best red wine vintage since 1990. This is not to deny that there are some very fine wines in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol in 1998, and in Saint-Julien and Pauillac in 1996. But the progress in winemaking since then is very evident. All the way down the hierarchy from First Growth to Petit Château wine is being made with more flair and competence than hitherto. Vineyard management – de-budding, green harvesting, leaf trimming – has never been more widespread. Vinification practices have also improved. With a few unfortunate exceptions there are less over-macerated, siliconé wines than in past vintages. The overall quality has never been higher. And the vintage is consistent from Pomerol to Pauillac, Saint-Émilion to Saint-Estèphe. There is even a view in Bordeaux (I do not share it, but I have not made a direct comparison) that the Pomerols and Saint-Émilions in 2001 are better than their 2000 counterparts.
THE SIZE OF THE CROP
The 2001 Bordeaux vintage produced, in comparison with recent years, as follows:
| | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 2001/2000 |
| AOC Rouge & Rosé | 5773 | 5989 | 5927 | 5695 | 5749 | - 4% |
| AOC Blanc | 787 | 816 | 879 | 884 | 934 | - 4% |
| TOTAL (000 Hl) | 6560 | 6805 | 6806 | 6579 | 6683 | |
This represents an overall average of 55.4 hl/ha for red wines over the whole region.
On the face of it, then, another large crop. It was not so long ago that three million hectolitres of red wine was considered abundant. But these statistics are misleading. Five or six years ago the yield even among the first growths in the Médoc was 55 hl/ha or more. Led by the example of the Libournais, who have been actively reducing their crop for a decade, the classed châteaux on the Left Bank have followed suit. A relatively humble property in Pomerol such as Château L’Enclos has aimed for 45 hl/ha for some years (in fact Hugues Weydert produced 39 hl/ha in 2001, owing to millérandage); L’Évangile produced 40 hl/ha, the same as in 2000. So did Vieux Château Certan. Ausone, however, produced 30% less than in 2000.
These sort of yields are rare in the Médoc/Graves. Yet both Lafite and Latour made 47 hl/ha in 2001, a lot less than in 1995 and 1996. Elsewhere the 2001 crop was even lower: 42 hl/ha at Mouton-Rothschild and Margaux; as low as 37 hl/ha at Château Pontet-Canet, 36 hl/ha at Brane-Cantenac, 35 hl/ha at Malescot-Saint-Exupéry, 32 hl/ha at Montrose and 31.62 hl/ha (what precision!) at Léoville-Las-Cases. That it was as high as 54 hl/ha at Beychevelle helps to explain why this château, which could be fine, is merely, boringly “good”.
THE WEATHER
Alain Vauthier of Château Ausone summed it up: three negative factors – a wet winter, a wet July, and a storm on 22nd September – and three positive aspects – a fine spring, a fine flowering and a good August. Crucially, despite this September storm, the August-September precipitation was rather less than average. Though not as dry, overall, as 2000, the rainfall in the three weeks before the harvest started was a mere 12mm and in the important three weeks while picking took place was 109mm, as against 107 in 2000, most of this falling on the fabled 22nd September, a few days before the collection started in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol and a full week before even the Merlots were harvested in the Médoc and the Graves.
The year began with the washout of the latter half of the 2000 Sauternes harvest. It went on raining almost non-stop until the end of January, producing twice the usual precipitation for these months. And, while it was wet, it was also warm.
Following a cold end of February, but with, thankfully, no serious frost, March was warm, and bud-burst occurred ahead of schedule, only for further development to be held back by a cool April. There was a little frost damage, mainly on the night of the 20th. The beginning of May continued grey and miserable. It was not until the 9th that weather conditions improved. Until the first week of July it remained dry and warm, with one or two exceptions. During this fine weather the vines caught up, flowered successfully and promised well.
Most of July was seriously cold and wet, the middle ten days being 5°C cooler and twice as rainy as normal. But as August approached the heat returned. It was hotter at the beginning than at the end of the month, however, and this is where the 2001 weather pattern, having up to now uncannily echoed that of 2000, began to diverge. 2000 had been made by a really hot August. In 2001 it was more warm than hot, and while the first three weeks of September were dry, and indeed sunnier than 2000, temperatures were a full 2°C cooler. There were only 3 days, between September 1st and 21st, when the thermometer hit 25°C, as against 11 in 2000.
The dry white wine harvest commenced on September 10th and took place without interruption, finishing by the weekend of the 22nd. The Merlot harvest on the right bank had been due to start on Monday the 24th. Following a storm, which unleashed 41mm of rain in Pomerol – though less in the Médoc – growers delayed. Most waited three or four days and were then able to pick their entire crop in good conditions. While there were isolated showers the only serious rainfall until the red wine harvest had long been completed was on 2nd October. Moreover, in contrast to 2000, admittedly an earlier harvest, it began to get warmer. The Médoc, which generally started to pick its Merlots on October 1st and its Cabernets between the 4th and the 14th, seems to have had the best of it though at the end the fruit began to deteriorate, which has effected the bourgeois growths of the northern Haut Médoc and Médoc. The fine weather continued, and some Sauternes of real power and concentration, the noble rot arriving after the fruit was fully physiologically ripe, were made.
THE WINES
While there was not the August-September warmth of 2000, which would produce the rich, abundantly ripe and fruity wines of this vintage, and their tannic structure too, 2001 has a lot of other good things going for it.
It was a late harvest (“It’s rare these days”, said Frédéric Ardouin, technical director at Château Latour, “for us not to start until 1st October”. In fact it was the first time for 15 years). So the “hang” was prolonged. This long gestation, other things being equal, brings added complexity.
Secondly, in the absence of great heat and drought, the leaf canopy remained green. Photosynthesis was taking place right up to the last minute. Moreover, if August had been wetter than in 2000 (though a lot drier than average), September was very dry, only 36mm being recorded in Bordeaux, though more in Pomerol. There was therefore no risk of dilution.
2001, like 2000, was not a year which required concentrating, chaptalisation or much in the way of saignée. Vinifications were slow, intentionally, growers realising immediately that 2001 should be a year favouring the fruit rather than the structure, and prolonging the cold soaking process and reducing the fermentation temperatures accordingly.
Some growers were confident in their 2001s from the start and able to draw out macerations after fermentation so that the resultant wines have concentration and intensity as well as fruit. Elsewhere I feel some could have decided to go for more vigour. Their wines are elegant but lack a bit of real thrust at the end. Examples of these lighter wines include Domaine de Chevalier, Ducru-Beaucaillou, Haut-Brion Blanc, Margaux, Palmer, Pichon-Lalande and Rauzan-Ségla, among what are usually high fliers. Examples of the bigger wines include Lafite, Léoville-Barton, Malescot-Saint-Exupéry, Montrose, Petrus and Vieux-Château-Certan.
THE STYLE OF THE 2001S
The best – and there is a lot of best – of the 2001 reds have a medium-full structure, plenty of ripe (sometimes almost jammy), but not over-ripe fruit, good balancing acidities, ripe tannins, and a frank, pure, classic temperament. They will come forward in the medium to long term: bourgeois growths from 2006/2007, most classed growths when they are 8 or 9 years old, only a few of the most concentrated not before 2012.
PRICES TODAY
The opening prices of the 2001s declined from the levels demanded in 2000, and were to fall still further a year on when the 2002s were first launched, only to rise considerably for the 2003s. Since then demand for the 2000s has forced up their prices still further, and 2002s have risen to largely equal the 2001s which have remained static.
Here is a table based on Farr Vintners list or estimates in February 2005. Prices are in Pound Sterling per dozen bottles excluding VAT and delivery.
| | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
| Sociando-Mallet | 270 | 160 | 160 | 210 |
| Grand-Puy-Lacoste | 390 | 185 | 185 | 270 |
| Léoville-Barton | 780 | 250 | 240 | 425 |
| Lafite | 2600 | 900 | 900 | 2150 |
| Cos D'Estournel | 525 | 420 | 420 | 820 |
| Ausone | 4500 | 1690 | 1200 | 3600 |
2001 OR 2002?
I shall not make an in-bottle tasting comparison of the top 2002s until January 2006. It is currently still a bit too early. But, based on my tastings in cask in April 2004 in Bordeaux, I would suggest, while prices remain at the same level, that this later vintage is to be preferred. I certainly remain convinced that 2002 is much better, as well as more classic, than 2003, whatever the prices might indicate.
THE TASTING
The following wines were sampled in Southwold at a tasting set up by Adnams Wine Merchants (01502 727220) in January 2005.
Saint-Émilion
Chateau Angelus, 2001 2007-2020+ 18.0
Good colour. Admirable fruit in a lovely cool, flowery way on the nose. High class. Lovely fullish, silky-smooth palate. Fullish body. Very long. Very complex. Very lovely.
Chateau Ausone, 2001 2011-203019.5
Medium-full colour. Rich, very classy nose. Lovely oak integration. Medium-full weight. Excellent grip. Very lovely fruit. Composed. Intense. Great breed. Very fine indeed.
Chateau L'Arrosée, 2001 2006-2010 13.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Some development. Slightly dry and characterless on the nose. Quite oaky. But a little lumpy. It lacks depth and flair. A bit short.
Chateau Barde Haut, 2001 2007-2017 14.5
Medium-full colour. Ripe, gently oaky, well-made nose. Medium to medium-full colour. A little astringency from the oak. Decent fruit underneath. Finishes long. Quite good plus.
Chateau Beau-Séjour-Bécot, 2001 2006/7-2011 13.5
Good colour. Soft, rich, ripe nose. But little real depth and flair. Similar on the palate. A bit short and astringent. Boring.
Chateau Beauséjour-Duffau-Lagarrosse, 2001 2008-2015 15.0
Good colour. Rich, full, nicely austere nose. Classy fruit. On the palate a lack of flair and energy. Medium-full body, but no complexity, nothing to add. A pity. Merely good.
Chateau Belair, 2001 Now-2020 17.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Lightweight but ethereal, stylish fruit on the nose. Medium body. Easy to drink. Forward. Quite fresh. Very good style. Long. In its light way very good indeed.
Chateau Bellevue, 2001 2007-2020 17.0
Good colour. Ripe, rich, generous nose. Medium-full body. Ripe and oaky. Good balance. Plenty of depth and flair here. Lovely. Easy to enjoy.
Chateau Berliquet, 2001 2006-2015 16.0
Medium-full colour. Nicely balanced, stylish fruit on the nose. No lack of depth. Medium to medium-full body. Good ripe fruit on the palate. No great concentration or structure but well-made. Long at the end. Very good.
Chateau Canon, 2001 2009-2020 15.0
Good colour. Full, ample but somewhat four-square nose. Not too dense though. Fullish body. A little astringent. Doesn't really sing. Slightly lumpy. Good grip though. May turn out better than it shows today.
Chateau Canon La Gaffelière, 2001 2007-2017 15.5
Good colour. Modern nose. Rich, ripe and oaky. Plump and succulent. Medium-full body. Not as much grip as Clos de L'Oratoire. But good plus.
La Chapelle De Chateau Ausone, 2001 2007-2018 15.5
Medium-full colour. Lovely nose. Very good fruit. Ripe, cool and succulent. Medium-full body. Slightly raw but generous underneath and long and positive. Good plus.
Chateau Chauvin, 2001 2008/9-2018 15.0
Medium-full colour. Nicely rich on the nose. Quite substantial. Good ripe tannins. Medium-full body. Decent grip. Quite stylish. Positive at the end. It lacks real flair but good. Still needs time.
Chateau Cheval-Blanc, 2001 2013-2035 19.0
Full colour. Very plump, rich, concentrated nose. Lots of depth and class. No lack of weight either. Full bodied, ample and generous. Quite backward. Rather more of a tannic structure than Ausone. Very fine plus.
Clos Fourtet, 2001 2008-2020 16.5
Good colour. Plump, slightly oaky, not too extracted nose. Good depth and class. Medium-full body. Good oak. Good grip. Good fruit. Harmonious and potentially silky. Very good plus.
Clos De L'Oratoire, 2001 2008-2020 16.0
Good colour. Rich, ripe, plump nose. Good fruit and depth here. Medium-full body. Ample. Quite concentrated. Good grip. Very oaky, chocolaty finish. Very good.
Clos Saint-Martin, 2001 2006-2010 12.0
Good colour. Rather hard and forced nose. Similar palate. Nothing much underneath. Medium body. An ugly wine.
Clos De Sarpe, 2001 2006-2010 10.0
Very good colour. Quite an ample nose. But not much flair or class. Rather astringent and short on the palate. No.
Chateau Côte De Baleau, 2001 2007-2010 12.0
Fullish colour. Oaky nose. A touch green and forced. Medium body. Astringent. It lacks grip and charm. No.
Chateau La Couspaude, 2001 2008-2020 16.0
Medium-full colour. Ripe, plump but quite oaky nose. Medium-full body. Good grip. Attractive fruit. Positive. Even long and stylish. Very good.
Chateau Couvent Des Jacobins, 2001 2006-2010 12.0
Good colour. Sweet, roasted, oaky nose. Medium body. Astringent. Rather fruitless. No.
Chateau Le Dôme, 2001 2006-2010 11.0
Very good colour. Rather too firm and extracted on the nose for my taste. And on the palate too. Decent grip and the fruit is nicely cool. But sadly it was overdone.
Chateau La Dominique, 2001 2007-2012 13.0
Good colour. ripe, oaky, accessible if not very concentrated nose. Slightly extracted and over-ripe. Medium body on the palate. Astringent at the end. Only fair.
Chateau Faugères, 2001 2007-2015 14.0
Fullish colour. Quite a forced, oaky nose. Not a lot of depth underneath. Medium body. Ripe but a little one-dimensional. Quite good.
Chateau Figeac, 2001 2008-2016 17.0
Good colour. Backward, but classy on the nose. The Cabernet is quite obvious. On the palate it seems to lack energy. Medium-full body. Quite ripe, but not enough grip or flair at first but it improved considerably in the glass. Long and lovely and complex.
Chateau Fombrauge, 2001 2008-2018 13.5
Fullish colour. Fullish, meaty but slightly solid nose. It lacks high-tones. Quite oaky. Rather too much extraction for my taste. Will it ever soften up? Decent grip though. Not bad plus.
Chateau Fonroque, 2001 2007-2020 16.0
Good colour. Lovely juicy nose. Generous and succulent. Medium to medium-full body. Stylish, balanced, fresh and very well made. Lovely fruit. Long at the end. Very good.
Chateau Franc-Mayne, 2001 2007-2016 14.5
Medium-full colour. Fresh, medium-full, generous nose. Medium to medium-full body. Good fruit. Not a blockbuster but positive and stylish. Quite good plus.
Chateau La Gaffelière, 2001 2007-2017 15.0
Good colour. A nose with a lack of both flair and concentration. No class, no harmony. But better on the palate. At least some concentration and depth. Medium-full body. Good finish.
Chateau La Gomerie, 2001 2007-2012 13.0
Very good colour. Rich and oaky on the nose but not much depth and grip behind it. Rather weak and also short on the palate. Not too astringent but not special.
Chateau Gracia, 2001 2007-2015 14.5
Very good colour. Rich, ripe, juicy and succulent. Almost over-ripe. Medium-full body. A little astringent. But decently fresh. Quite good plus.
Chateau Grandes Murailles, 2001 2007-2012 13.5
Fullish colour. Weak nose. Not enough richness and concentration. Medium body. The tannins are rather dry. Decent plump fruit. But it lacks depth and flair.
Chateau Grand-Mayne, 2001 2008-2014 13.5
Good colour. Rich, quite full, but succulent nose. But a bit stewed and rigid on the palate. Some oak. Lumpy finish. Unexciting.
Chateau Grand-Pontet, 2001 2007-2014 14.0
Good colour. Straightforward, oaky nose. Simple on the palate. Decent acidity but no real depth and flair. Quite good.
Chateau Joanin-Bécot, 2001 2006-2010 12.0
Good colour. Very oaky-sweet nose. This dominates a rather weedy wine. Astringent at the end. No.
Chateau Laforge, 2001 2006-2010 11.0
Very good colour. Rather forced on the nose. Too extracted on the palate. Lots of astringency here. Medium body only. Lacks grip. Poor.
Chateau Larcis-Ducasse, 2001 2006-2010 12.5
Good colour. Quite rich and ripe. Decent depth and class on the nose. On the palate a bit thin and weedy. Becoming astringent at the end. Boring.
Chateau Larmande, 2001 2007-2018 14.5
Medium-full colour. Rich, ample, laid-back nose. Good depth here. The tannins stick out a little bit on the palate. Good fruit but the finish is a little astringent. Medium body only. Quite good plus.
Chateau Laroze, 2001 2008-2016 15.0
Fullish colour. Quite a meaty nose. But good fruit and grip. Medium-full body. Some oak. A little extracted. But basically a good example. The finish is positive.
Chateau Magdelaine, 2001 2007-2020+ 17.5
Good colour. Cool, quietly successful, ample, succulent nose. Very good grip. Medium-full body. Balanced. Elegant. Very Merlot. Very relaxed. Long and lovely.
Chateau La Mauriane, 2001 2006-2010 10.0
Super cuvée of Puisseguin Saint-Émilion Château Rigaud. Very good colour. Very oaky. Hugely over-extracted on the nose. Medium body. Astringent. No.
Chateau Monbousquet, 2001 2007-2015 14.0
Good colour. Over-ripe, oaky, jammy nose. Rather over-done. Medium body. Spurious. Un-Bordeaux-ish. A bit of a sweet concoction. Quite soft. Not my style.
Chateau La Mondotte, 2001 2006-2012 12.0
Very good colour. Oaky, jammy nose. Sweet but spurious. Ripe, medium to medium-full body. Rather short. Rather concocted. Poor.
Chateau Moulin Du Cadet, 2001 2007-2018 15.5
Medium-full colour. Ripe, medium-full, quite fresh and succulent on the nose. Medium-full body. Rich, ripe and generous. Plump and attractive. Good plus.
Chateau Moulin Saint-Georges, 2001 2007/8-2020 15.5
Fullish colour. Somewhat forced on the nose. Cleaner on the palate. Good acidity. Medium-full body. Good classy fruit. This has quality and depth. Lovely finish.
Chateau Pavie, 2001 2006-2010 10.0
Good colour. Less jammy than Pavie-Decesse, but still a bit too sweet. And just as bad on the palate. Over-extracted. Undrinkable.
Chateau Pavie-Decesse, 2001 2006-2010 10.0
Good colour. Slightly over-ripe, jammy nose. Rather too sweet and raisinny. Stewed, concocted and jammy and astringent on the palate. Undrinkable.
Chateau Pavie-Macquin, 2001 See Note
Good colour. Very odd, reduced nose. Somewhat vegetal. Similar palate. Judgement deferred.
Chateau Peby Faugères, 2001 2006-2010 10.0
Very good colour. Very oaky nose. Quite a fresh fruit here but far too astringent at the end. Undrinkable.
Petit Cheval, 2001 2006-2011 13.0
Second wine of Château Cheval Blanc. Medium to medium-full colour. Soft, ripe nose. But without much distinction. Medium body. Slightly raw. Only fair.
Chateau Quinault L'Enclos, 2001 2007-2017 15.0
Good colour. Soft, ripe, easy to appreciate nose. Medium body. Quite fresh. Well made if not very complex or profound. Good grip. Good but forward.
Chateau Rol Valentin, 2001 2007-2015 15.0
Good colour. New fangled nose. Quite jammy and concentrated in a garage sense. Not too oaky or over-extracted. Good fresh fruit but, curiously, tastes as much of Sangiovese as of Merlot. Quite nice though. Well made.
Chateau Sansonnet, 2001 2006-2010 11.0
Good colour. Rather green on the nose. Thin and raw and rather forced on the palate. No.
Chateau Soutard, 2001 2007-2014 14.0
Quite an evolved colour. Ripe but rather dry on the nose. Not very structured. Medium body. Individual but a little rustic. Good grip. Lacks a bit of fat. Quite good.
Chateau Tertre Daugay, 2001 2007-2015 14.5
Good colour. Good quite rich, meaty nose. Medium to medium-full body. Ripe. Good grip. Lacks a bit of personality but quite good plus.
Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf, 2001 2008-2020 16.0
Good colour. Ripe, concentrated nose. Plenty of fruit and depth but a slight lack of real finesse. Fullish body. Good grip. Very ripe, but not over-ripe, fruit. Finishes long. Very good.
Chateau La Tour Figeac, 2001 2008-2020 16.5
Good colour. Slightly closed-in on the nose but rich and concentrated. Plenty of depth here. Medium-full body. Very good tannins. Concentrated and with very good grip. Long and stylish. Very good plus.
Chateau Troplong-Mondot, 2001 2010-2025 17.5
Good colour. Full, quite firm, splendidly concentrated nose. High class. Full body. Very good tannins. Lots of depth and concentration. Very good grip. This is splendid.
Chateau Trottevieille, 2001 2006-2010 14.0
Good colour. Fresh, stylish nose. Gently oaky. Not a blockbuster. Medium body. Slightly astringent on the palate. Lacks fat and concentration. Some fruit and depth though. Not as boring as usual.
Chateau Valandraud, 2001 2007-2016 15.0
Very good colour. Rich, ripe and fresh on the nose. Ample and succulent. Not over-done. Medium-full body. Good grip. Oaky but not over-done. Decent finish. Good.
Pomerol
Chateau Beauregard, 2001 2008-2018 15.5
Medium-full colour. Good rich, quite oaky nose. Medium-full body. Some tannin. Good grip. A meaty wine. Still a little raw. But good plus.
Chateau Le Bon Pasteur, 2001 2008-2018 16.0
Good colour. Lovely fruit here on the nose. Ripe and rich and chocolaty, but cool, composed, harmonious and elegant. Rich and ample and medium-full body. Good depth. Well-made. Very good.
Chateau Clinet, 2001 2009-2020+ 17.5
Good colour. Foolish, slightly closed-in, but rich if a little four-square nose. Plenty of depth on the palate. Rich and balanced. Very good grip. Fine.
Chateau Clos Du Clocher, 2001 2007-2013 14.0
Good colour. Ripe, cool but a little astringent on nose and palate. Strangely neutral. Decent but not special.
Clos L'Église, 2001 2008-2020 16.5
Fullish colour. Rich and oaky on the nose. But without the nuance of the best of the Pomerols. A bit tarty. Medium-full body. Some tannin. Very good fruit. But very good plus at best.
Chateau La Commanderie De Mazeyres, 2001 2006-2011 13.0
Good colour. Soft, ripe Merlot nose. It lacks class and depth. Medium body. No tannin. A little jammy. Not special. Too simple.
Chateau La Conseillante, 2001 2008-2020 17.5
Fullish colour. Very classy nose. Good concentrated fruit. Lots of depth. Medium to medium-full body. Ample and generous but it lacks a bit of zip. Very classy finish though. Evolved a bit too quickly in the glass. Fine but not great.
Chateau La Croix De Gay, 2001 2006-2010 10.0
Good colour. Slight rustic touches on the nose. But decent fruit if slightly oxidised. This seems a bit over-evolved. If this is a truly representative bottle I don't think it has much future.
Chateau L'Église Clinet, 2001 2009-2025 19.0
Full colour. Ample, concentrated, succulent, oaky nose. Fullish body. Rich, vigorous and very enticing. Excellent tannins and grip. Long and energetic. Lovely finish. Very fine plus.
Chateau L'Évangile, 2001 2009-2025+ 19.0
Fullish colour. Rich but quite firm nose. Vieux Château Certan rather than La Conseillante. Lots of class. Lots of depth and dimension. Fullish body. Very excellent fruit. Marvellously ripe but fresh and balanced and classy. Very lovely finish. Very fine plus.
Chateau La Fleur De Gay, 2001 2008-2020+ 17.0
Good colour. Ripe, ample Merlot nose. Lots of sweet, succulent fruit here. Some oak too. Medium-full body. Balanced. Lovely fruit. Ripe tannins. Good depth, energy and flair. Very good indeed.
Chateau La Fleur Pétrus, 2001 2008-2025 18.5
Full colour. Rich, fat, generous and very gently oaky on the nose. Medium-full body. Ample, ripe and velvety. Lovely balance. Long and complete. Very fine. Better than Trotanoy today.
Fugue De Nénin, 2001 2007-2016 14.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Quite ripe and substantial on the nose, but a bit four-square. Medium-full body. Good grip. Better than on the nose. But it lacks dimension. Quite good.
Chateau Le Gay, 2001 2009-2025 17.0
Good colour. Rich, firm, concentrated nose. Lots of depth here. Still closed-in. On the palate full bodied and meaty. Good grip. Long. Lovely finish. Very good indeed.
Chateau Gazin, 2001 2006-2010 -
Good colour. Ample, evolved nose. Just a little rustic. I don't think this is a true bottle. Very curious. Soft and sweet. No.
Chateau Hosanna, 2001 2007-2018 16.5
Good colour. Ripe, quite firm nose. Good grip. But not the elegance of the greatest. Medium to medium-full colour. Balanced and succulent. Well-made. Long and positive at the end. Very good plus.
Chateau Lafleur, 2001 2009-2025 19.0
Full colour. Full, tannic nose. Almost too dense for its own good. On the palate very fresh and pure. Excellent acidity. Lovely fruit. Full bodied but by no means too much tannin. Just needs time. Very fine plus.
Chateau Latour A Pomerol, 2001 2010-2025 18.0
Good colour. Ample, ripe, fullish, profound nose with a slightly minty touch. Fullish body. Ample, balanced and concentrated. Splendid fruit. Very long. Very lovely.
Chateau Montviel, 2001 2007-2013 14.0
Good colour. Soft, fruity nose. Medium body. Slightly one-dimensional but quite fresh. Quite ripe. Decently made. Better than it used to be.
Chateau Nenin, 2001 2008-2018 15.0
Medium-full colour. Rather boring on the nose. No flair. No class. No depth. Medium-full colour. Decent grip. Ripe but slightly four-square. It lacks personality. Good at best.
Chateau Petit Village, 2001 2006-2010 13.0
Good colour. Slightly dense on both nose and palate. Slightly astringent. Decent acidity but a lack of flair. Dry at the end.
Chateau Petrus, 2001 2012-2035 19.0
Full colour. Rich and concentrated on the nose. But not the flair of Ausone. Full bodied, rich, ripe and super-concentrated. Lots of tannin. Backward but finishes with super fruit. Very good energy and grip. Not the flair of Ausone or the fat of Cheval-Blanc but gorgeous richness. Very fine plus.
Chateau Le Pin, 2001 2008-2025 18.0
Fullish colour. Ample, ripe, silky-smooth nose. Very seductive. Very lovely. Not quite the complexity and vigour of Vieux Château Certan but long and very fine.
Chateau La Pointe, 2001 Now-2010 13.0
Good colour. Light nose. Not much depth but decent fruit. Light to medium body. Not much interest here. Only fair. Too simple.
Chateau Rouget, 2001 2007-2017 16.5
Good colour. Ripe, ample, succulent nose. Medium-full body. Good ripe tannins. Good grip. Pure, succulent and harmonious. Long. Very good plus.
Chateau Trotanoy, 2001 2009-2025 18.0
Medium-full colour. Rich, profound, very classy but backward nose. Lovely fruit here. Medium-full body. Composed and laid-back. Lovely style. Great harmony but not the depth, grip and flair of a great wine. Fine plus.
Vieux Chateau Certan, 2001 2010-2030 19.5
Medium-full colour. Marvellous nose. Real depth and concentration, flair and finesse. Essence of wine here. Full body. Very fine ripe tannins and excellent acidity. Backward. Very, very long. A very, very lovely wine. The best of the Pomerols?
Graves
Chateau Bahans-Haut-Brion, 2001 2008-2018 14.5
Medium to medium-full colour. A little herbaceous on the nose. The tannins are a bit dry. Much better on the palate. Medium-full bodied, ripe, balanced and fresh. Slightly astringent at the end. Quite good plus.
Chateau Bouscaut, 2001 2007-2012 13.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Typically earthy Graves. Medium body. A little sweet. A bit astringent at the end. Decent grip but no flair. Not bad.
Chateau Carbonnieux, 2001 2006-2010 12.0
Medium colour. A little light and even weedy on the nose. Light, quite fresh but one-dimensional on the palate. Insipid finish.
Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, 2001 2008-2018 16.0
Medium-full colour. Ripe, quite concentrated, quite classy nose. Medium-full body. Balanced. Positive. Plenty of depth. Long and plump at the end. Very good.
Domaine De Chevalier, 2001 2007-2015 16.0
Medium-full colour. Quite closed-in on the nose still. But harmonious and classy. Not raw. Medium to medium-full body. Not the greatest of depth and vigour. Forward. Yet balanced and classy. But very good at best. Disappointing for Domaine de Chevalier.
Chateau De Fieuzal, 2001 2006-2010 12.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Some development. Pleasant fruit but rather weak and neutral on the nose. Over-evolved. Medium body. Weak finish. No.
Chateau La Garde, 2001 2006-2010 12.5
Medium to medium-full colour. Raw oak on the nose. Not enough substance and grip underneath. Dry at the end. Unexciting.
Chateau Haut-Bailly, 2001 2008-2020 16.5
Medium-full colour. Rich, ripe, elegant and concentrated on the nose. Lovely fruit here. Medium-full body. Good tannins. Lots of depth and distinction. Ample, generous and vigorous at the end. Very good plus.
Chateau Haut-Bergey, 2001 2006-2011 12.5
Medium-full colour. Ripe but a little forced and oaky on the nose. Medium body. Slightly lumpy. Slightly raw. It lacks finesse. Hard at the end.
Chateau Haut-Brion, 2001 2009-2025 18.5
Fullish colour. Great elegance on the nose, if no great weight or vigour. Quite forward. The lightest and most advanced of the premiers crus. Yet very harmonious. Medium-full body. Very ripe tannins. Lots of lovely fruit. Very fine.
Chateau Larrivet-Haut-Brion, 2001 2006-2011 13.5
Medium to medium-full colour. A little reduced on the nose. Underneath quite ripe but not very stylish. Medium body. Decently fresh and positive if no real finesse.
Chateau Latour-Martillac, 2001 2007-2014 14.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Quite plump on the nose. Medium body. Decent fruit and balance. Good tannins. Positive finish. Quite good.
Chateau La Louvière, 2001 2007-2014 14.0
Medium-full colour. Ripe and pleasant if no real flair on the nose. Medium body. Quite fresh and plump. Positive at the end. Quite good.
Chateau Malartic-Lagravière, 2001 2007-2012 16.0
Medium-full colour. Firm, slightly four-square nose. But plump. Medium-full body. Slightly hard at first. But improved in the glass. Rich, ample and vigorous. Lovely finish.
Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, 2001 2007-2020+ 17.5
Medium-full colour. Very lovely fruit on the nose. Real depth and class here. Medium-full body. Very harmonious. Very complex. Very lovely. But not a very big, long-keeping wine. Fine.
Chateau Olivier, 2001 2006-2010 12.0
Medium to medium-full colour. A touch of oak, but not much concentration on the nose. Light to medium body. Rather one-dimensional. Weedy finish. Poor.
Chateau Pape-Clément, 2001 2008-2014 13.0
Medium-full colour. Very oaky, over-macerated nose. Medium-full body. Rather lumpy and ungainly. No breeding.
Chateau Pique-Caillou, 2001 2006-2010 13.0
Medium colour. Soft and quite pleasant on the nose. Light to medium body. Rather thin at the end. Quite pretty fruit but one-dimensional. Fair at best.
Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte, 2001 2006-2010 12.5
Medium-full colour. Evolved gamey nose. Slightly barnyardy. Medium weight. Not very much class here. Slightly astringent. Somewhat weedy. No.
Chateau La Tour Haut-Brion, 2001 2007-2016 15.0
Medium-full colour. Good nose. Gently oaky. Not a bit green. Very stylish. Medium body only but graceful and harmonious. Long. Elegant. Quite forward. Good.
Médoc & Haut-Médoc
Chateau Belgrave, 2001 2007-2012 14.0
Medium-full colour. Quite classy and fruity and fresh on the nose. Medium body. Decent attack but not enough dimension or vigour at the end. Quite forward. Quite good.
Chateau Camensac, 2001 2006-2011 13.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Decent fruit on the nose. But no great class or dimension. Forward. Medium body. Slightly astringent. Not bad.
Chateau Cantemerle, 2001 2006-2010 12.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Light, weedy nose. Lightweight and forward. The attack isn't bad but then it tails off.
Chateau Chasse-Spleen, 2001 2007-2015 15.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Quite a gamey wine on the nose. Ripe and lush. Medium to medium-full body. Good grip. Ripe tannins. This has depth if not the greatest finesse. Good.
Chateau Haut-Condissas, 2001 2008-2016 14.5
Medium-full colour. Firm, quite closed nose. Fullish body. Quite tannic. Slightly ungainly. Good grip. But a lack of real flair. Quite good plus.
Chateau La Lagune, 2001 2007-2014 15.0
Medium colour. A touch of oak on the nose. Civilised but not very concentrated or energetic. Quite classy fruit though. Decent balance and freshness. Good.
Chateau Lanessan, 2001 2007-2011 12.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Slightly harsh fruit on the nose. It lacks richness and class. Medium body. A bit astringent. A bit short too. dull.
Chateau Potensac, 2001 2007-2017 14.0
Medium-full colour. The nose lacks charm and real class. But it is clean though. On the palate, compared with the other crus bourgeois exceptionnels, it is a bit dull. But fresh, balanced and fruity.
Chateau Poujeaux, 2001 2007-2019 15.5
Medium to medium-full colour. Fullish, quite meaty nose. Good ripeness underneath. Medium-full body. Ripe tannins. Good grip. Ample and generous. More class than Chasse-Spleen this year. Good plus.
Chateau Rollan De By, 2001 2007-2015 15.5
Medium-full colour. Fullish, fresh, ample nose. Medium-full body. Ripe. Good grip. Alive and well-made. Good plus.
Chateau Sociando-Mallet, 2001 2008-2020 16.0
Medium-full colour. Rich, ample, gently oaky nose. Good depth here. Medium-full body. Concentrated. Very good fruit. Very good grip. This has class. Very good.
Chateau La Tour Carnet, 2001 2008-2014 13.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Quite concentrated if not over-macerated on the nose. Very oaky. Medium-full body. Rather concocted. Too international in style for my taste. No grace.
Margaux
Alter Ego De Chateau Palmer, 2001 2007-2016 14.0
Medium-full colour. The tannins are quite round but a little dry at the end on the nose. Ripe, almost sweet. Medium body. A slight hardness at the end. Quite good.
Chateau Boyd-Cantenac, 2001 2007-2012 13.5
Medium-full colour. Rigid nose. Fullish and lumpy. Pouget is more supple. Better on the palate. Quite fresh. But lacks class and character.
Chateau Brane-Cantenac, 2001 2008-2017 14.0
Medium-full colour. Elegant, very Margaux nose. Not a blockbuster but balanced and persistent. Medium to medium-full body. Lacks a bit of grip and concentration. Not as promising on the palate as on the nose. Quite good at best.
Chateau Cantenac-Brown, 2001 2008-2014 13.5
Medium-full colour. Slightly hot on the nose. A little stewed. Medium to medium-full body. A bit astringent. It lacks flair and elegance and real richness. Unexciting.
Chateau Dauzac, 2001 2007-2012 13.5
Medium-full colour. Slightly rigid nose. Some oak. Some fruit. But lacks finesse. Medium body. Lacks personality. Decent balanced but only fair.
Chateau Desmirail, 2001 2007-2012 13.5
Medium-full colour. Decent fruit and balance on the nose if not much depth and class. Medium body. Lacks a little grip and depth. Fruity but bland. Forward. A bit short.
Chateau Durfort-Vivens, 2001 2009-2018 14.0
Medium-full colour. Quite firm on the nose. Fullish body. Some tannins. A little green, but there is depth and richness underneath. Not very relaxed though. Quite good at best.
Chateau Ferrière, 2001 2007-2014 16.0
Medium-full colour. Soft, gently oaky nose. Lovely fruit. Quite forward. Medium body. Harmonious. Fresh. Ripe. Complex and classy. Very good.
Chateau Giscours, 2001 2007-2012 13.0
Good colour. Soft nose. A little too lightweight and anaemic. Light to medium body. Rather short. Rather anonymous. Boring.
Chateau D'Issan, 2001 2008-2015 14.0
Medium-full colour. Quite pretty but too lightweight on the nose. Lots of blackcurrant fruit. Medium body. Good acidity. Slightly rigid but quite good.
Chateau Labégorce-Zédé, 2001 2007-2017 16.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Ripe, cool, quite classy nose. Good balance here. Medium to medium-full body. Very pure. Very harmonious. Very elegant, ripe fruit. Very good.
Chateau Lascombes, 2001 2010-2020 13.5
Medium-full colour. Fullish on the nose. Meaty. Oaky. Good grip. Medium-full body. Some tannin. A touch heavy. A touch bitter. Lacks charm. Doesn't sing.
Chateau Malescot-Saint-Exupéry, 2001 2009-2020+ 16.0
Medium-full colour. Backward but quite concentrated on the nose. A little closed in at present. Medium-full body. Good depth and richness. Attractive fruit. Balanced and classy. Long. Very good.
Chateau Margaux, 2001 2010-2020 17.5
Full colour. The nose is a bit attenuated, even on aeration. Rich underneath. On the palate this is medium-full bodied. Not as rich or as intense as most of the other first growths. It lacks the usual oaky concentration and finesse of Margaux. Merely fine.
Chateau Marquis De Terme, 2001 2007-2012 14.0
Medium-full colour. Firm, rigid nose. Lacks flexibility. Medium-full body. Ripe. Some oak. Decent grip. Some finesse. Decent fruit. Finishes well.
Chateau Monbrison, 2001 2007-2012 13.5
Medium-full colour. Rich nose. Good depth and a touch of oak. It lacks a bit of real class and depth. Medium body. Not rich enough.
Chateau Palmer, 2001 2009-2020+ 17.0
Good colour. Elegant fruit on the nose. Quite rich and certainly complex. Still closed in. Medium-full body. Good grip. Ripe tannins and plenty of classy, complex fruit. But very good indeed rather than fine. Not enough energy and vigour.
Pavillon Rouge De Chateau Margaux, 2001 2007-2020 16.0
Medium-full colour. Good class and a touch of oak on the nose. Ripe. Medium to medium-full body. Balanced. Quite rich. Long and positive. Very good.
Chateau Pouget, 2001 2007-2014 13.5
Medium-full colour. Meaty nose. But not very elegant. Decent palate. Fresh and fruity. Decent balance. Medium-full body. Not bad plus.
Chateau Prieuré-Lichine, 2001 2007-2012 13.0
Medium-full colour. Uninspiring nose. No class. No depth. Medium body. Ripe and easy to drink. But a distinct lack of finesse.
Chateau Rauzan-Gassies, 2001 2006-2010 12.0
Medium-full colour. Common, farmyardy, astringent nose. Medium body. Poor on the palate. Thin and weedy.
Chateau Rauzan-Ségla, 2001 2009-2020+ 16.5
Medium-full colour. Soft, cedary but classy nose. Very good fruit here. Very Margaux. Medium to medium-full body. Balanced, fresh, composed, elegant and intense. Very long. Very good plus.
Chateau Siran, 2001 2006-2012 14.0
Medium-full colour. Ripe but somewhat non-descript nose. Medium weight. Decent fruit and balance. Quite fresh. But a little dull. Forward.
Chateau Du Tertre, 2001 2008-2018 14.0
Medium-full colour. Quite stylish but a little lightweight on the nose. Medium to medium-full body. Decent fruit and grip. This is quite good. Positive at the end.
Chateau La Tour De Mons, 2001 2006-2011 12.5
Medium to medium-full colour. Rather non-descript nose. It lacks both depth and class. Uninspired on the palate as well. Light. Finishes weedy.
Saint-Julien
Chateau Beychevelle, 2001 2009-2016 14.0
Medium-full colour. Rather non-descript nose. No flair. Some weight. Medium to medium-full body. Some fruit. But dull. Only not bad plus or quite good. As usual the worst of the top Saint-Juliens.
Chateau Branaire-Ducru, 2001 2010-2025 16.0
Medium-full colour. Rich, Cabernet nose. Good class and depth here. Fullish body. Some tannin. Rich, lovely fruit. Very good grip. This has plenty of vigour. Long. Very good but a touch stewed.
Clos Du Marquis, 2001 2009-2020 14.0
Second wine of Château Léoville-Las-Cases. Medium-full colour. firm nose. Slightly inflexible. Some tannin. Medium-full body. Could have been ripe. Very classic but a bit austere. Quite good. Needs time.
Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, 2001 2009-2018 16.0
Medium-full colour. Quite a delicate nose. But very intense and classy. On the palate strangely lightweight. Certainly balanced and elegant. But a little thin nonetheless. Lacks vigour. Very good but disappointing for Ducru-Beaucaillou.
Chateau Gloria, 2001 2010-2020 15.0
Fullish colour. Slightly raw, meaty nose. Slightly more relaxed than Saint-Pierre and today I prefer it. Medium-full body. Good acidity. Good Cabernet fruit. Good.
Chateau Gruaud-Larose, 2001 2011-2025 17.0
Medium-full colour. Fat, rich, meaty nose. Good fruit and concentration here. Fullish body. Some tannin. Good grip. Just a touch solid and four-square but fresh. This is very good indeed but it lacks the flair for fine.
Chateau Lagrange, 2001 2009-2020 15.5
Medium to medium-full colour. Clean, fruity but rather light nose. Medium to medium-full body. Good balance. But no means a blockbuster but stylish. Good plus.
Chateau Langoa-Barton, 2001 2009-2020+ 16.5
Medium-full colour. Backward but classy on the nose. Medium to medium-full body. Ripe, rich, soft, potentially silky on the palate. Very well integrated tannins. Long. Lovely fruit. Very good plus.
Chateau Léoville-Barton, 2001 2012-2030 18.5
Full colour. Rich, concentrated, very classy Cabernet nose. Fullish body. Rich, concentrated and profound. Splendidly relaxed. Very lovely fruit. Very harmonious. Very classy. The best of the Saint-Juliens.
Chateau Léoville-Las-Cases, 2001 2014-2030 18.0
Medium-full colour. Firm, full, slightly austere nose. Fullish bodied, tannic, rich and profound. This has very good concentrated fruit. But it is backward. Fine plus but not great.
Chateau Léoville-Poyferré, 2001 2012-2025+ 17.5
Fullish colour. Slightly hot nose. Just a little over-ripe and stewed. Fullish body. Very rich. Some tannin. Good grip. A seductive wine but without the finesse of Léoville-Barton. Quite Libournais in style.
Réserve De Léoville-Barton, 2001 2007-2017 15.0
Medium-full colour. Good fruit on the nose. Ripe, gentle Cabernet. Medium to medium-full body. A little tannin. Good fruit. Pure and balanced. Finishes well. Good.
Chateau Saint-Pierre, 2001 2010-2020 14.5
Medium-full colour. Ripe Cabernet, meaty nose. Medium-full body. Slightly raw and aggressive. Some tannin. A little tense. Quite good plus.
Chateau Talbot, 2001 2010-2020+ 16.5
Fullish colour. Cool, classy, ripe Cabernet nose. Nice and fresh. Medium-full body. Quite rich. Relaxed. Balanced. Intense. Very good plus.
Pauillac
Chateau D'Armailhac, 2001 2007-2015 15.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Soft, ripe and oaky on the nose. Not a great deal of depth or grip. Medium body. Quite pretty. It lacks a bit of depth, energy and flair but decently balanced. Good.
Chateau Batailley, 2001 2007-2015 15.0
Medium-full colour. Slightly concocted fruit. Quite evolved. Soft and jammy. Medium body. Forward. Soft and plump on the palate and quite fresh. Pleasant if not serious. But good.
Carruades De Lafite, 2001 2007-2019 15.5
Medium to medium-full colour. Soft, cedary nose. Forward. Medium to medium-full body. Elegant, harmonious, long and positive. Good plus.
Chateau Clerc-Milon, 2001 2008-2018 15.5
Medium to medium-full colour. Good rich Cabernet nose. On the palate slightly raw but medium-full bodied. Better grip than D'Armailhac. Longer and more stylish. Good plus.
Chateau Croizet-Bages, 2001 2007-2013 13.5
Medium-full colour. Tarty and coarse on the nose. Medium body. Rather astringent. Some decent fruit. Quite a positive finish. Not bad plus. Forward.
Chateau Duhart-Milon, 2001 2010-2020+ 16.5
Medium-full colour. As usual a certain density on the nose. Ripe but slightly solid. Better as it developed. Fullish body. Rich and concentrated. No excessive tannins. Good grip. Plenty of depth. Very good plus.
Les Forts De Latour, 2001 2007-2017 15.5
Medium-full colour. Ripe, Cabernet nose. Not aggressive. Balanced and stylish. Medium to medium-full body. Accessible. Fresh and balanced. Has charm. Good plus.
Chateau Grand-Puy-Ducasse, 2001 2007-2014 14.0
Fullish colour. Slightly artificial fruit on the nose. Some oak. Medium to medium-full body. Decently made but a bit dull. A wine made by a machine. No faults but no personality or flair. Quite good.
Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, 2001 2012-2030 18.0
Fullish colour. Firm, rich and concentrated on the nose. Distinctly superior to Ducru-Beaucaillou and Haut-Batailley. Full body. Very good tannins. Splendidly rich, concentrated, classy fruit. Long. Superior. Lovely. Fine plus.
Chateau Haut-Bages-Libéral, 2001 2008-2018 15.5
Medium-full colour. Quite stylish nose. Ripe and plump. Medium to medium-full body. Not a blockbuster but balanced and well made. Fresh at the end. Good plus.
Chateau Haut-Batailley, 2001 See Note
Medium-full colour. A bit too austere on the nose. Lacks finesse. This is very odd. Some sulphur. Something unclean and attenuated. Can this be a true bottle?
Chateau Lafite, 2001 2012-2035 19.5
Full colour. Closed-in. Concentrated. Backward but very elegant nose. Fullish body. Very lovely Cabernet fruit. Excellent grip and balance. Not a blockbuster but lots of depth and dimension. Especially lovely finish. Very fine indeed.
Chateau Latour, 2001 2013-2035 18.5
Full colour. Full, firm, closed, slightly austere nose. Very Latour. Full bodied, backward and tannic. This doesn't have the concentration, dimension and sheer breed of Lafite. Slightly four-square at first. But it needs time. Excellent development in the glass. Very fine.
Chateau Lynch-Bages, 2001 2009-2018 16.5
Medium-full colour. Quite rich and concentrated on nose and palate. Fullish body. Good tannins. Ripe and rich but slightly clumsy. Plenty of meaty richness but not very classy. Very good plus though.
Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, 2001 2010-2025 17.0
Full colour. This lacks the class and complexity of the rest of the first growths on the nose. Merely ripe and plump. Not enough grip either. Medium-full body. A little astringent. Decently concentrated fruit. But it lacks flair and energy. Merely very good indeed.
Chateau Pédesclaux, 2001 2006-2010 12.5
Medium-full colour. Jammy but coarse nose. Medium body. Not much depth, let alone class. Astringent at the end. No.
Petit Mouton, 2001 2006-2011 13.0
Medium to medium-full colour. A bit ungainly on the nose. Slightly forced. Medium body. A little short. Neither style nor balance. Indifferent.
Chateau Pichon-Longueville-Baron, 2001 2011-2025 17.0
Fullish colour. Firm, quite rich nose. A true Pauillac. Fullish body. Oaky. Slightly clumsy. Yet rich and concentrated. Very good indeed but not the finesse for fine.
Chateau Pichon-Longueville 2008-2020 16.0
Comtesse De Lalande, 2001
Fullish colour. Ripe nose. But not the greatest intensity or concentration. Quite elegant, of course. Medium to medium-full body. Delicate. Lovely fruit. Lots of finesse. A good persistence at the end. But very good at best.
Chateau Pontet-Canet, 2001 2008-2018 16.0
Medium-full colour. Lovely fresh, medium-full, ripe Cabernet nose. An elegant, poised wine. Medium-full weight. Balanced and positive. Very good.
Réserve De La Comtesse, 2001 2006-2011 12.5
Second wine of Château Pichon-Longueville, Comtesse De Lalande. Medium-full colour. Somewhat dry and anonymous on the nose. Medium body. Little tannin. Fruity. But wimpy and weedy at the end. Disappointing.
Saint-Estèphe
Chateau Calon-Ségur, 2001 2009-2020 15.5
Medium-full colour. Rich nose. Very slightly reduced. Fat, ample and quite classy. Fullish body. Meaty. Some tannin. Ample fruit. It lacks a little breed but good balance and a positive finish. Good plus.
Chateau Cos Labory, 2001 2006-2010 12.5
Medium-full colour. Slightly raw, slightly sweet on the nose. Medium body. Insipid at the end. Not enough structure and very little elegance. Poor.
Chateau Cos D'Estournel, 2001 2008-2020+ 17.0
Good colour. Very lovely laid-back, rich fruit on the nose. The Merlot is evident. Medium-full body. Very well integrated tannins. Very good grip. The Montrose is more classic. But this is very good indeed.
Chateau Haut-Marbuzet, 2001 2007-2015 15.5
Medium colour. Some evolution. Oaky, rich, opulent nose. Medium to medium-full body. Ripe tannins. Succulent fruit. Good acidity. Lots of appeal here.
Chateau Lafon-Rochet, 2001 2007-2016 15.0
Good colour. Quite firm on the nose. Very Cabernet. Not too dense though. Indeed ripe and classy. Medium to medium-full body. Good oaky base. Ripe and stylish. But it lacks a little dimension and real class. Good.
Chateau Meyney, 2001 2007-2013 13.5
Medium to medium-full colour. Ripe but slightly pinched and muddy on the nose. Medium to medium-full body. Slightly stewed. The tannins are a bit dry. Decent grip but rather raw and ungainly. No bad plus.
Chateau Montrose, 2001 2009-2020+ 17.5
Good colour. Lots of depth and lots of class on the nose. Fullish body. Very good tannins. Lovely fruit. Harmonious. Complex. Long. Fine.
Chateau Les Ormes De Pez, 2001 2006-2011 13.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Rather common on the nose. A bit farmyardy. Medium to medium-full body. Decent balance if not much breed. Not bad.
Les Pagodes De Cos D'Estournel, 2001 2007-2017 15.0
Medium-full colour. Lush, quite Merlot-y on the nose. Ripe and exotic. Medium to medium-full body. Quite soft. Slightly raw at the end. But this will go. Good grip. Good.
Chateau De Pez, 2001 2008-2020 16.0
Medium to medium-full colour. Firm but not too tough a nose. Rich underneath. Medium-full body. Good vigour. Very good fruit. This will keep well. Long and positive. Very good.
Chateau Phélan-Ségur, 2001 2007-2018 15.5
Medium to medium-full colour. Lightweight but fresh, elegant nose. Medium body only but good intensity. Classy fruit. Balanced. Long. Good plus.
Chateau Valrose, 2001 2006-2010 13.5
Medium-full colour. Light, even hollow nose. Forward. Fruity. But non-descript. Would make a decent Bordeaux rouge.
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