A masculine-styled, dense purple-colored 2009, this cuvee offers up scents of charcoal, asphalt, black currants, incense, and crushed rocks. This deep, medium to full-bodied, well-made Margaux is broader, richer, and more substantial than usual, with more alcohol as well as substance. The tannins are ripe and well-integrated. This is a 30-year wine. (Tasted two times.) 

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

  Wine notes

Composed of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, this large estate appears to have produced their greatest wine since the 1986. The alcohols came in at 13.9%, and the wine reveals extraordinary density, power, and richness as well as explosive fruit, and terrific acidity, intensity, and power. Yet it tastes like a crisp, delicate Margaux. Yields were 40 hectoliters per hectare. This outstanding 2009 should age nicely for 35-40+ years. (Tasted two times.)

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

  Wine notes

The finest second wine they have made, the 2009 Reserve de Comtesse is composed of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. Flavorful and full-bodied with loads of texture and opulence, it offers up aromas of forest floor and black fruits. The surprisingly high tannin level is barely noticeable given the sweetness of the fruit and abundant glycerin. Nevertheless, the 13% alcohol is right in line with that of the Pichon Lalande. Drink the Reserve de Comtesse over the next 10-15 years. (Tasted once.)

Like most Medoc chateaux, Pichon Lalande began their harvest on September 22, and finished on October 7. 

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

  Wine notes

The minerality and stoniness really comes through on the nose of this Rieussec, more than the 2007. The palate is very well balanced with superb acidity, real tension, steely with great precision with notes of apricot, white peach and honey on the beautifully defined finish. Probably the best Rieussec since the astounding 2001.

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate Issue (188)

  Wine notes

The minerality and stoniness really comes through on the nose of this Rieussec, more than the 2007. The palate is very well balanced with superb acidity, real tension, steely with great precision with notes of apricot, white peach and honey on the beautifully defined finish. Probably the best Rieussec since the astounding 2001.

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate Issue (188)

  Wine notes

The minerality and stoniness really comes through on the nose of this Rieussec, more than the 2007. The palate is very well balanced with superb acidity, real tension, steely with great precision with notes of apricot, white peach and honey on the beautifully defined finish. Probably the best Rieussec since the astounding 2001.

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate Issue (188)

  Wine notes

The minerality and stoniness really comes through on the nose of this Rieussec, more than the 2007. The palate is very well balanced with superb acidity, real tension, steely with great precision with notes of apricot, white peach and honey on the beautifully defined finish. Probably the best Rieussec since the astounding 2001.

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate Issue (188)

  Wine notes

Proprietor Jean Guyon and consultant Dr. Alain Raynaud continue to produce a wine that over-performs its humble pedigree. The dense blue/purple-tinged 2009 boasts abundant amounts of blueberry and black currant fruit intermixed with graphite and forest floor notes. Full-bodied, rich, and pure, it is ideal for drinking during its first decade or life. (Tasted once.) 

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

  Wine notes

The best Rouget I have ever tasted, the 2009 displays terrific aromas of kirsch liqueur and loamy soil as well as a plump, fat, luscious personality. With sensational concentration and purity, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and an enormous fruit character, this beauty should drink well for 15 or more years. (Tasted three times.) 

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

  Wine notes