28 Mar 2011
Tasting articles

Red bordeaux for... drinking

Tasting articles
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Below is a collection of recent tasting notes on several dozen red bordeaux from vintage 2007 back to 1975, the great majority of them currently drinking well. A few of the older wines are past it and some of the grander young ones are best kept in the cellar for a while, but I hope that some of the reviews below are useful for those with wine collections.

Please note that on Wednesday I'll be publishing a comprehensive set of tasting notes from a single look at about 60 significant 2001 bordeaux (red and sweet white).

2007

Ch Angélus 2007 St-Émilion

Dark crimson. Sweet and vanilla nose. Very seductive and not too sweet. Racy and well done. Good blend of old and new styles. (JR)
Drink
2011
–
2023
16.5

Ch Bélair-Monange 2007 St-Émilion

Formerly Bélair and presented by M. Edouard Moueix (though Moueix only took it over in 2008!) Palish crimson. Very fragrant light touch. Lots of acidity. Bit lean for the moment. (JR)
Drink
2012
–
2020
16

Ch Canon 2007 St-Émilion

Dark crimson. Light and polished. Neat and very unforceful. Slightly dry underripe end. (JR)
Drink
2012
–
2024
16.5

Ch Cheval Blanc 2007 St-Émilion

Mid crimson. Much more aromatic than most. Very fresh and even with a hint of green. Very racy. Long and fresh. (JR)
Drink
2012
–
2026
17

Clos Fourtet 2007 St-Émilion

Mid crimson. Very nicely balanced and early maturing. Is there a hint of brett? But there is real life here – not too sweet. Attractively dancing. (JR)
Drink
2010
–
2018
16.5

Ch Figeac 2007 St-Émilion

Lift and life and subtlety. This flies, sings and dances. Bravo! Though it is not as ripe as some. (JR)

Drink
2014
–
2026
17

Ch Magdelaine 2007 St-Émilion

Mid dark crimson. Lightweight 'relaxed' old-style nose. Still quite tight as though it has quite a way to go but there is lots of substance here. Quite long. (JR)
Drink
2012
–
2022
16.5

Ch Pavie 2007 St-Émilion

Very very deep crimson. Very light nose and very tart. Uncomfortable taut on the end. Very odd and tarry and drying at this stage. (JR)
Drink
2013
–
2023
15.5

Ch Pavie Macquin 2007 St-Émilion

Deep purple. Attractively dry on the nose. Fresh and distinctive. No heavy hand. Though quite transparent. (JR)

Drink
2010
–
2020
16.5 +

2004


2001

Ch Beychevelle 2001 St-Julien

Very mature and quite treacly on the nose. Light and just slightly lean but good luncheon claret. (JR)
Drink
2007
–
2015
16

Ch Brane-Cantenac 2001 Margaux

Complex, sweet and very Margaux even if not that subtle and very slightly tart on the end. (JR)
Drink
2008
–
2015
16.5

Ch Camensac 2001 Haut-Médoc

Very pale crimson. Very light in body and colour. A fresh elegant waft of classic claret but dry on the end. Not for Australians. (JR)
Drink
2006
–
2013
15.5

Ch Margaux 2001 Margaux

Very mellow and sweet with a real undertow. Quite evolved. Fresh fruit. Polished and so charming. Long. (JR)
Drink
2009
–
2030
18

Ch Cheval Blanc 2001 St-Émilion

Dense. Dry. Aromatic. Really vital. Dry and vibrant. Long. Woo hoo! Long. Damson compote flavours. (JR)
Drink
2008
–
2035
18

Ch Langoa Barton 2001 St-Julien

Tobacco nose. Very firm and almost brûlée. Melting a bit but I would keep it a bit longer. (JR)
Drink
2011
–
2024
16.5

Ch Mouton Rothschild 2001 Pauillac

Very attractive bouquet and rich, deep flavours – drier than usual. Really resonant. Impressive! Quite a bit of acidity. (JR)
Drink
2009
–
2023
18

Ch Pichon-Longueville (Baron) 2001 Pauillac

Lots of aromatic evolution. Round and gentle – much gentler and more flattering than the Langoa tasted immediately before. Firm appetising finish. Very refreshing. (JR)
Drink
2007
–
2018
17.5

2000...