Bordeaux

R.P. 92 pts.

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Carruades de Lafite charges out of the gate with bold scents of baked plums and boysenberries followed by hints of menthol, tobacco leaf, cloves and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a well-poised frame of ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the savory flavors, finishing with a spicy kick.

R.P. 88 pts.

The estate’s second wine, the 2004 Bahans-Haut-Brion, possesses a similar character, but is lighter and softer than the Haut Brion, with notes of red and black currants, plum, and earth.

R.P. 93 pts.

An absolutely sensational second wine from Haut-Brion, the 2005 Bahans Haut-Brion displays all the smoke, gravel and chocolate notes along with ripe black fruits. Broad, savory, rich and lush, this is a sensational wine (now called Le Clarence) with gorgeous texture and length.

The 2006 Bahans-Haut-Brion has a fragrant earthy, woodland, almost autumnal bouquet that is well defined and fully mature. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, lightweight perhaps but with a keen thread of acidity, attenuated slightly towards the finish.

J.S. 90 pts Batailley's 1996 is a well-structured, old style Pauillac with a dense ruby/purple color, earthy, cedar-tinged, black currant fruit in the aromatics and flavors, medium body, an excellent mid-palate, good depth, and a moderately tannic, firm, but pure finish.

This wine is dark ruby-colored, with medium body and notes of weedy black currants intermixed with earth and saddle leather. It has moderate tannin and a firm finish.

R.P. 91 pts.

On the nose, ripe black cherries mixed with cassis are all nicely defined and holding on to their freshness. It manifests spicy aromas, almost Moroccan-inspired, as it gradually opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with dense black fruit, a little tarry in texture with firm tannin.

R.P. 93 pts.

It has an effervescent bouquet with vibrant red berry fruit and superb mineralité. This is extremely well focused, with hints of rose petal emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with finer tannin.