"91pts. WA - The dense ruby/purple-colored 2011 Grand Puy Lacoste exhibits a charming, open-knit bouquet of red and black fruits. It is a savory, medium-bodied, flavorful, well-endowed Pauillac from Xavier Borie that can be enjoyed over the next 10-15+ years"
"92-95 pts - WA One of the stars of the vintage, it boasts a dense purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of red and black currants, graphite, subtle flowers and well integrated, toasty oak. Impressively built rich and medium to full bodied without losing the quintessential elegance and finesse for which this famous estate is renowned, the 2012 Domaine de Chevalier is filled with purity, equilibrium and balance. The tannins are sweet enough that this wine should be accessible when released, and will last for 15-20 years."
"A consistent winner in nearly every vintage, this dense ruby purple tinged 2005 reveals notions of toasty oak, roasted coffee, creme de cassis, spring flowers, licorice, and spice, and tastes like it came from a much more renowned terroir."
"90 pts. Robert Parker This well-known estate consistently performs at a high level, and proprietor Stephan von Neipperg's 2007 is a beauty. Cropped at 26 hectoliters per hectare, this blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon possesses a dark ruby/purple color, a surprisingly full-bodied style with sweet notes of fruitcake, graphite, black cherry, black currant, and incense. Round, full-bodied, and opulent with well-integrated oak, it is a fleshy, full, exuberant wine that is ideal for drinking now and over the next decade. It achieved 13.5% natural alcohol."
"95 pts - WS. A terrific effort from bad boy and leading garagiste, Jean-Luc Thunevin, and his sidekick, Murielle Andraud, the inky/blue/purple-tinged 2005 Valandraud exhibits superb aromas of graphite, black currants, blackberries, violets, white chocolate, sweet licorice, and espresso roast. Boasting great intensity, full-bodied power, beautiful purity, and layers of complexity, this stunning wine should be unusually long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025+."
"91pts. WA - Another excellent to outstanding effort from the Nony family, the 2011 Grand-Mayne offers up beautifully sweet raspberry and blueberry fruit intermixed with crushed rock-like notes as well as a jammy character (unusual in this vintage). Medium to full-bodied with a complete mouthfeel and sweet, but moderate tannins, this beauty can be enjoyed in several years or cellared for 12-15."
"92 Points- Wine Enthusiast. A wine with plenty of weight, fruit and balanced tannins. It shows a smoky character from the toasty wood, followed by broad berry fruits and sweetness. The ripe fruit flows naturally from the tannins, both offering aging potential."
"95 Points- Wine Enthusiast. The 2011 Clos Fourtet exhibits a dense blue/purple color as well as beautiful notes of creme de cassis, blueberries and raspberries, a complete as well as layered mid-palate, sweet tannin, good acidity and a charming personality. This is a highly successful effort for the vintage. Drink after 2018."
"91 pts Robert Parker 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon,10% Cabernet Franc. Dense purple color as well as a sweet perfume of creme de cassis, cherry liqueur, licorice, spice box. With full body, sweet tannin, admirable purity, and brilliant harmony, this full-bodied effort can be enjoyed over the next decade."
"Offers cherry and blueberry character on the nose and palate, with a medium body, slightly austere tannins and a rather hollow center palate. Should come together for a satisfying bottle. Best from 2012 through 2017"