En Primeur Bordeaux 2011

Rather light, but balanced, with unadorned bing cherry, herb and high-toned vanilla notes. Supple finish shows good purity, though a bit shy on range.

Score: 86 - 89 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The La Chenade is a blend of 80% Merlot picked between 9th and 16th September and 20% picked on 19th September aged in 30% new oak. The nose is very fresh with a Burgundy-like purity and effervescence. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a lovely core of sweet red fruit laced with new oak, leading to a dark chocolate tinged finish. This is a top class La Chenade that could be as fine as the 2010. Another great wine courtesy of Denis Durantou. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, erobertparker.com

Very floral, with light cherry, pomegranate and currant notes that glide along gently, with a light mineral tang at the end. Not big, but bright and engaging.

Score: 86 - 89 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The Cruzelles is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked between the 5th and 12th September and 19th September respectively. It is being aged in 50% new oak. It has a fresh, sorbet-like bouquet with pure mineral-rich dark red fruit that maintains impressive linearity. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp, charcoal tinged entry. It has very well integrated oak, the finish very clean and precise with that focus and linearity never wavering from start ‘til finish. Very fine, though it will need 3-4 years in bottle. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, erobertparker.com

Consistent value. Fragrant, floral violet notes with the hint of oak adding spice (touch of northern Rh?ne Syrah!). Good density on the palate. Long, firm, fresh finish.

Score: 16 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2016-2022

This builds on that palate with pretty blueberry and chocolate character. Medium to full body. Fine tannins. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. New addition of Cabernet Franc.

Score: 89 - 90 James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

The luxury cuvee, the 2011 La Plus de la Fleur de Bouard (100% Merlot from a 5-acre parcel of 40-year-old vines), exhibits over-the-top concentration (yields were an amazingly low 20 hectoliters per hectare). An opaque blue/purple color is followed by aromas of blueberry jam, melted chocolate, spring flowers, graphite and subtle oak. Both elegant and powerful, this is a rich, textured, full-throttle claret to drink over the next 10-15+ years. A brilliant reference point wine for Lalande de Pomerol, owner Hubert de Bouard consistently over-achieves in most vintages.

Score: 89 - 91 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Maturity: 2012-2027

Deep black cherry colour. Lots of oak char on the nose, a touch smoky, though the cassis peeks through. Charred oak is all I can taste at the moment though there is clearly some decent fruit weight in the middle. There's fresh acidity but the oak is overpowering the fruit. Bitter finish. (JH)

Score: 15 Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2017-2025

Lighter-bodied, with slightly loose plum and blackberry fruit and a hint of scorched wood on the finish. Knits together with some time in the glass.

Score: 86 - 89 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The 2011 is a little subdued on the nose although the palate shows good structure and depth. The tannins are rather bold and the oak accentuated on this occasion. The finish is dark and broody, the fruit perhaps squeezed out by the cooler, low pressure conditions. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 86 - 88 Neal Martin, erobertparker.com

House-style deep, saturated colour. Dark fruit with violet notes. Very fine texture and silky tannins. Modern but restrained. Impressive for the vintage.

Score: 16 - 17 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2016-2023

Very polished with blueberry and blackberry character on the palate. Soft and velvety tannins. Juicy finish. Bright acidity.

Score: 91 - 92 James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

The 2011 La Fleur de Bouard, a blend of 85% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and a tiny bit of Cabernet Sauvignon, averaged 13.7% natural alcohol. A powerful, rich, dense ruby/purple-colored effort, it offers blueberry, chocolate and espresso notes, full body, good acidity, and excellent purity and length. This cuvee should drink well for a decade or more. A brilliant reference point wine for Lalande de Pomerol, owner Hubert de Bouard consistently over-achieves in most vintages.

Score: 91 - 93 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Maturity: 2012-2022

33 months in new French oak. Black core, dark cherry rim. Smoky black fruit. Like sucking charred wood. Dark and bitter. No pleasure here at the moment and hard to know how much fruit will be there when the oak recedes. (JH)

Score: 14 - 15 Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2017-2024

This has concentration and power for the vintage, with cassis and linzer torte notes laced with a racy iron edge. Nice flash of anise on the finish. Has some wood to soak up, but very solid stuffing here.

Score: 89 - 92 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

To be honest, all I can really taste here is the new oak. I would love to report something else, but that is all my senses can detect. Tasted April 2012.

Score: - Neal Martin, erobertparker.com

100% old vine Merlot. 36 months barrel maturation. Layered dark fruit extract - spicy and fragrant (hint of cassis). Big extract and tight, firm, powerful tannins. A big wine in need of time.

Score: 16 - 17 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2020-2030

This is very powerful with a wonderful length. Full-bodied, with ultra-fine tannins and a bright fruit and acidity. Mineral. Wow.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com