Saint Julien

R.P. 90 pts.

Ducru-Beaucaillou's 1994 displays a dark purple color, a textbook, cassis, mineral, licorice, and floral-scented nose, medium body, outstanding extract and purity, moderate tannin, and a persuasively rich, sweet, spicy finish.

Deep garnet colored, the 2005 Ducru-Beaucaillou needs a little coaxing before slipping sensuously out of the glass with the most alluring perfume of red roses, kirsch, star anise, cardamom and fragrant earth over a core of blackcurrant pastilles, blackberry preserves and warm plums plus a touch of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a wonderfully taut, tightly knit frame of fine-grained tannins and bold freshness supporting the densely packed fruit, finishing long and perfumed.

R.P. 93 pts.

Its opaque ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of graphite, barbecue smoke, blackberries and black currants. The full-bodied, textured 2008 Saint-Pierre reveals a skyscraper-like mouthfeel along with tremendous viscosity and unctuosity.

R.P. 88 pts.

A sumptuous, complex, Provencal-like bouquet of roasted herbs, cherries, licorice, and underbrush emerges from this dark plum/ruby-colored 2004. Tart acidity provides freshness, but the overall impression is of abundant currant and cherry fruit presented in a forward, superficial style.

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.

R.P. 91 pts.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Talbot opens with maturing scents of fruitcake, Chinese five spice and cigar box plus hints of dried mint, pencil lead and chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is pleasantly spicy, with a light grip of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing savory.

R.P. 90 pts.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Clos du Marquis opens with medicinal, cherry cough syrup scents followed by a core of plum preserves and crème de cassis plus a touch of wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is coated with maturing black fruits and dried mint flavors, framed by chewy tannins and finishing with a refreshing lift.

R.P. 89 pts.

The 2012 La Croix de Beaucaillou has a reserved but clean and focused bouquet of earthy black fruit, tobacco and a touch of bay leaf. It just needs a little more vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. There is an attractive pencil lead note, fine balance with quite a long tail on the finish.