Bordeaux 2006: An Uneven Year
Wine Spectator's exclusive barrel tastings guide you to the wines worth buying as futures
Posted: Thursday, March 29, 2007
To be perfectly straightforward, 2006 is not a great vintage in Bordeaux. But it is a good year in which some producers made outstanding, even exceptional wines that will be worth seeking out.
It's simply not possible for the 2006 vintage to be great, as the growing season was such a difficult one. In May, mildew set in. July was very hot and dry. August was cool and grey, and then it was cold and rainy in mid-September; I was there and the weather was really rotten. Some producers may have panicked and started picking before their grapes were perfectly ripe, particularly those without the financial resources to risk it.
Just as the weather was varied, the wines are all very different in style and quality. In my barrel tastings here in Bordeaux, I've found that the majority of bourgeois crus and petit châteaus are good to very good, but not special. They are clean wines with good but not opulent fruit, firm tannins and medium length. Most lack some concentration on the midpalate and have slightly dry, austere tannins. At the same time, some châteaus made lovely wines—classic clarets that will need lots of aging to deal with their high tannins and bright acidities.
The outstanding and exceptional wines came from the classified growths and other big names—the châteaus with the great vineyards and the resources to do intensive work in both their vineyards and their cellars: green harvests and leaf thinning during the summer, strict selection of grapes during harvest and a severe selection of the wines. Those efforts paid off: The best 2006s show racy tannins with excellent length and solid cores of fruit, but very few wines are at this level.
Unlike the 2005 vintage, 2006 is not a year for consumers to buy futures across the board. The en primeur campaign will mostly focus on 30 or 40 of the top names, particularly limited-production cult wines that are getting harder and harder to buy. My first set of preliminary ratings from the Left Bank follow, and the wines to focus on are those with score ranges of 95–100 or 92–94 points.
| Wine | Score |
|---|---|
| CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR Pomerol 2006 | 95-100 |
| Starts off slow, then cascades like a waterfall. Full and superlong, this is structured and racy. Tight and in reserve. A classic beauty for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LATOUR Pauillac 2006 | 95-100 |
| Very long. Wonderful licorice, berry and currant character. Full and silky, beautiful and pure. This is really distinguished. Feminine but strong. Classic Bordeaux style. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES St.-Julien 2006 | 95-100 |
| Fabulous aromas of mineral, currant and blackberry. Full and supersilky, with a long, long finish. Very fine tannins, even though there are loads of them. Long and round. Reminiscent of the excellent 1996 Las Cases, but better. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU MARGAUX Margaux 2006 | 95-100 |
| Very powerful and rich. Fantastic. Full, silky and structured. Yet layered and rich, with loads of mineral, violet and coffee character. Incredible. So much finesse in the nose. What a wine. Similar to the 1995, which received 100 points. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA MISSION-HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2006 | 95-100 |
| This is so perfumed and pretty. Classy and elegant on the nose, with currant, light vanilla and a hint of lilac. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. All in finesse. Very impressive for the vintage; could be the wine of the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2006 | 95-100 |
| Gorgeous aromas of currant, raspberry and mineral. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins. Long and caressing, building on the palate. Very pretty, very elegant. Subtle and seductive. This could be better than 2005. Wait and see. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PAVIE St.-Emilion 2006 | 95-100 |
| Full-bodied yet balanced and silky. Solid and rich, but not aggressive. Long and beautiful, with pure fruit. Less muscular than typical Pavie, but seductive. A beauty. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PÉTRUS Pomerol 2006 | 95-100 |
| Displays a solid core of fruit, with spice and cherry. Builds on the palate, with silky-textured tannins and a long finish. Seamless. This was picked before the rain. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU TROTANOY Pomerol 2006 | 95-100 |
| Shows beautiful sweet fruit. Full, velvety, long and layered, with lots of character, yet remains succulent and refreshing. —J.S. | |
| VIEUX-CHÂTEAU-CERTAN Pomerol 2006 | 95-100 |
| This has a beautiful core of berry, coffee and chocolate fruit. Full yet very balanced, with a velvety mouthfeel and a long, long finish. Extremely well made, with everything in proportion. Makes you want to drink it now. I haven't found many wines like this. 75 percent Merlot and 25 percent Cabernet Franc. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU ANGÉLUS St.-Emilion 2006 | 92-94 |
| A clean wine, with lovely berry and mineral character. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is extremely well made. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU AUSONE St.-Emilion 2006 | 92-94 |
| This is a solid Ausone, with plenty of blackberry and licorice character. Full and velvety, with a solid core of fruit and medium chewy tannins. Not the 2005, but well done. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE-MONDOTTE St.-Emilion 2006 | 92-94 |
| This is very long this year. Full-bodied, silky and pretty, with a long finish. Impressive. Very pretty and well made. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU CALON-SÉGUR St.-Estèphe 2006 | 92-94 |
| A lovely wine with a solid core of fruit, silky tannins and chocolate, berry and light spice character. Long and balanced. Reminds me of the 1995. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU CANON-LA GAFFELIÈRE St.-Emilion 2006 | 92-94 |
| This is really long. Very, very well done. Full-bodied, with silky tannins. Starts off slowly and then runs. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU CHEVAL-BLANC St.-Emilion 2006 | 92-94 |
| Very rich, showing lots of blackberry and licorice, with just a hint of wood. Full-bodied, with dense but polished tannins. This is subtle. Very, very pretty and elegant. Silky and long. Almost 95-100. —J.S. | |
| CLOS DU MARQUIS St.-Julien 2006 | 92-94 |
| Wonderful aromas of blackberries, minerals and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with a lovely core of cool fruit. Racy and caressing tannins. Excellent. 13.2 percent Cabernet Franc--more than normal. Better structured than normal, too. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE Pomerol 2006 | 92-94 |
| Attractive berry and mineral character. Full-bodied, with a pretty complement of dark chocolate and berry character. Solid core of fruit and ripe tannins, yet balanced. Very ripe fruit here. Serious for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU COS-D'ESTOURNEL St.-Estèphe 2006 | 92-94 |
| Wonderful aromas of violets and berries, with a mineral undertone. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and tannins. Firm and chewy, tannic and muscular. Midpalate of fruit that builds on the palate. Almost 95-100. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU St.-Julien 2006 | 92-94 |
| Layered and rich, with lots of licorice and berry character. Turns to currants. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Very serious. Like it a lot. 1996 again. This is almost 95-100. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU L'ÉGLISE CLINET Pomerol 2006 | 92-94 |
| Balanced and harmonious for the vintage. Full-bodied, with a very good core of ripe fruit and velvety tannins. Excellent winemaking by the gifted Denis Durantou. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR-PÉTRUS Pomerol 2006 | 92-94 |
| Offers an extremely pretty nose of cinnamon, crushed berry and milk chocolate. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a long finish. Very impressive for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES-LIBÉRAL Pauillac 2006 | 92-94 |
| Beautiful nose of ripe blackberry and currant. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Very well done. Impressive. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAILLY Pessac-Léognan 2006 | 92-94 |
| Gorgeous nose, with fantastic aromas of minerals, berries and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and lots of gorgeous fruit. Very long and refined. Very close to the 2005. This shows wonderful finesse and length for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2006 | 92-94 |
| Captivating aromas of coffee, spice, violets and cedar follow through to a full-bodied palate, with refined tannins and a long finish. Lovely refinement for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU HOSANNA Pomerol 2006 | 92-94 |
| Very attractive blackberry, olive and spicy oak on the nose and palate. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky, refined tannins and a medium-to-long finish. There's lots going on. This was picked before the rain. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2006 | 92-94 |
| Racy and long, with beautiful blackberry and light coffee character and a licorice undertone. Full and racy, with a long, long finish. Structured and powerful, yet builds on the palate. Close to 95-100. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE BARTON St.-Julien 2006 | 92-94 |
| Very balanced and pretty, with violet and currant. Full and silky. Gorgeous. Harmonious. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LYNCH-BAGES Pauillac 2006 | 92-94 |
| Shows very good concentration of currant and berry fruit. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, fruity finish. Solid core of everything. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU MALESCOT-ST.-EXUPÉRY Margaux 2006 | 92-94 |
| Lots of blackberry and spice character, with chocolate undertones. Full-bodied, with lovely fine tannins and a long finish. A textbook claret, with refinement yet power. Love the touch of sweet fruit on the end. Almost Burgundian. Lovely and pretty. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PALMER Margaux 2006 | 92-94 |
| Gorgeous nose, with violet, currant and berry, and a vanilla undertone. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit and supersilky tannins. Long and rich. Wonderful wine. Love the balance. Almost 95-100. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PAVIE-MACQUIN St.-Emilion 2006 | 92-94 |
| This is very, very good, with silky tannins, full body and a long finish. All in balance and rich. Floral, with lots of berry character. Very pretty wine. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LE PIN Pomerol 2006 | 92-94 |
| This has a lovely sweetness of fruit on the palate. Full, silky and flavorful, with chocolate, berry and vanilla character. Medium long on the finish. A beauty. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET Pauillac 2006 | 92-94 |
| Big and rich, with lots of round and velvety tannins. Full-bodied and very ripe, with a long flavorful finish. A beauty. Voluptuous for the vintage, with lots of currant and berry character. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA PROVIDENCE Pomerol 2006 | 92-94 |
| Shows gorgeous aromas of blackberry, olive and cinnamon. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Very well done. This was picked before the rain. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU RAUZAN-SÉGLA Margaux 2006 | 92-94 |
| Lovely fresh aromas of currant and blackberry. Full-bodied, with succulent fruit and lovely finesse and length. Gorgeous. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU MARQUIS-D'ALESME-BECKER Margaux 2006 | 89-91 |
| Shows lots of richness, with plenty of fruit and round, silky tannins. Full body. Long finish. Impressive. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU D'ANGLUDET Margaux 2006 | 89-91 |
| Lots of blackberry and licorice character follows through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Well done. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU L'ARCHANGE St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Has lots of licorice aromas, with hints of sweet fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, with fresh acidity and a medium finish. Holds together. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU D'ARMAILHAC Pauillac 2006 | 89-91 |
| Lovely licorice and currant aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a soft, fruity finish. Nicely done for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU DE BARBE BLANCHE Lussac-St.-Emilion Réserve 2006 | 89-91 |
| Has attractive blackberry and currant character, with hints of leaves. Full-bodied, with a good core of fruit and silky tannins. Well done. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BEAUREGARD Pomerol 2006 | 89-91 |
| Clean, ripe and fruity, with a full body, round tannins and a friendly finish. Nicely done. This is a sensitive wine. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BEAUSÉJOUR DUFFAU-LAGAROSSE St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Very pretty wine. Aromatic, with berry, plum and licorice character. Medium-to-full body, with fine tannins and a soft, silky finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BELLISLE MONDOTTE St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Balanced and fruity, with lots of velvety tannins that caress the palate. Full-bodied and seamless. Not full-throttle, but in control. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BOURGNEUF-VAYRON Pomerol 2006 | 89-91 |
| Displays a solid core of fruit, with dark chocolate and olive character. Full and round, but slightly hollow center palate. Well done for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BOUTISSE St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Balanced and fruity, with fine tannins and chocolate, berry and cedar character. Refined. Well done. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BRANAIRE-DUCRU St.-Julien 2006 | 89-91 |
| Very solid, with good fruit and a complete core of ripe tannins. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium to full finish. I prefer this to the 2004. Very close to 92-94. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BRANE-CANTENAC Margaux 2006 | 89-91 |
| Balanced and pretty, with plum and currant. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium-long finish. All in finesse. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA CABANNE Pomerol 2006 | 89-91 |
| Offers a good core of ripe fruit, with soft, velvety tannins. Medium- to full-bodied, with very good length. Juicy and well done. I like this better than the 2005. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU CANON St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Balanced and fruity, with a lovely silky texture and sweet, ripe fruit. Long and caressing. Refined and harmonious. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU CANTENAC-BROWN Margaux 2006 | 89-91 |
| Impressive blackberry and mineral aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. A little hollow, but I like it. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU CERTAN-MARZELLE Pomerol 2006 | 89-91 |
| There's a gorgeous nose already, with crushed berry, toasty oak and flowers. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a long, long finish. Very silky. Well done. —J.S. | |
| LA CHAPELLE DE LA MISSION-HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2006 | 89-91 |
| Beautiful berry and currant character. Long and soft, with fine tannins. Very pretty fruit. Delicious. So fine, with sweet fruit on the finish. Best second wine of La Mission ever. Almost 92-94. —J.S. | |
| DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER Pessac-Léognan 2006 | 89-91 |
| Another wine from this estate that's in harmony and balanced, especially for the vintage, with lots of currant and raspberry character and just a hint of dark chocolate. Full, medium tannins and a fresh finish. All together. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON Pauillac 2006 | 89-91 |
| Very good amount of plum and chocolate character on the nose and palate. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins. Medium finish. Pretty core of fruit. —J.S. | |
| CLOS BADON-THUNEVIN St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| This shows a solid core of ripe fruit and caressing tannins, with a good amount of fruit on the finish. Full body, yet balanced. Nicely done for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CLOS DE L'ORATOIRE St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Balanced for the vintage, with vanilla, berry and mineral character. Full and silky. Medium finish. Well done for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CLOS FOURTET St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Very nicely done for the vintage, with a pretty core of mineral, berry fruit and silky tannins. This is long. Wait and see. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA COMMANDERIE DE MAZEYRES Pomerol 2006 | 89-91 |
| Well done for the vintage, with a very good mouthfeel, lots of velvety tannins and a long finish. Balanced. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU CÔTE DE BALEAU St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Shows mineral and blackberry character, with silky tannins. Medium-bodied, with a silky finish. Nicely done. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU DAUZAC Margaux 2006 | 89-91 |
| Wonderful perfumes, with floral and berry character. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a long silky-textured finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU DUHART-MILON ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2006 | 89-91 |
| Really well done, with lots of licorice and fruity character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long flavorful finish. Close to 92-94. —J.S. | |
| L'ENCLOS DU BEAU-PÈRE Pomerol 2006 | 89-91 |
| Medium- to full-bodied, with blackberry and licorice aromas and flavors, chewy tannins and a medium finish. A bit hollow. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU L'EVANGILE Pomerol 2006 | 89-91 |
| Very silky and caressing on the palate, with a full body and lots of chocolate, coffee and berry character. Refined and elegant, with a long finish. Could use a bit more on the finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU FAUGÈRES St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Displays a good core of fruit, with silky tannins and a medium-to-full body. Caressing and balanced. Very nicely done for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU FIGEAC St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Very impressive aromas of blackberry and coffee follow through to medium- to full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a long finish. This is all in finesse. A tiny bit more on the midpalate would make it 92-94. —J.S. | |
| LES FORTS DE LATOUR Pauillac 2006 | 89-91 |
| Very solid, with an excellent core of fruit and chewy tannins, but not too aggressive. Full body. Medium finish. Well done. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU GAZIN Pomerol 2006 | 89-91 |
| Offers some berry and mineral character, with light dried herbs. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU GISCOURS Margaux 2006 | 89-91 |
| Lots of grapey, fruity character, with medium to full body, mineral and berry character. Little lean, but balanced and pretty. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU GLORIA St.-Julien 2006 | 89-91 |
| Lots of rich fruit, with fresh plum, coffee and berry character. Full-bodied, with tannins that build on your palate and follow through. Well structured. The best Gloria in a long time. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA GOMERIE St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| There's plenty of good fruit, with hints of tobacco and toasty oak. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a medium finish. Well done for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU GRAND-PUY-LACOSTE Pauillac 2006 | 89-91 |
| A clean young wine, with fine, silky tannins, good focused fruit and a medium-to-long finish. Caressing and refined. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA GRAVE À POMEROL Pomerol 2006 | 89-91 |
| Has a good core of fruit, with mineral and berry character. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Clean and fresh. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE St.-Julien 2006 | 89-91 |
| Velvety and fruity. Lots of mineral and berry character. I would like to see a little more fruit in the center palate, but it's clean and racy. And it should grow in the barrel. Better than the 2005. Close to 92-94. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA GURGUE Margaux 2006 | 89-91 |
| Soft and velvety, with plum and mineral character. Full body. Medium finish. A little disjointed now, but shows potential, especially for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU HAUT-BATAILLEY Pauillac 2006 | 89-91 |
| Fresh and fruity, with good acidity and a clean berry aftertaste. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Long. Very good for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LABÉGORCE Margaux 2006 | 89-91 |
| Pretty plummy. Currant aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with chewy tannins and a long persistent finish. Structured. Very well done from this estate. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LAGRANGE St.-Julien 2006 | 89-91 |
| Very pretty mineral and black berry aromas. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a long silky finish. Very good indeed. Almost 92-94. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON St.-Julien 2006 | 89-91 |
| Balanced and refined, with silky tannins and lots of dark chocolate and mineral. Medium- to full-bodied, with a lasting finish. Lovely. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LARCIS-DUCASSE St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Silky, with very fine tannins and a medium-to-long finish. Medium body. Caressing. Balanced and pretty. Lots of floral and berry character. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LATOUR À POMEROL Pomerol 2006 | 89-91 |
| Displays some berry and chocolate character. Full-bodied, but with a slightly hollow center palate. Long and chewy, with good tannins for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE POYFERRÉ St.-Julien 2006 | 89-91 |
| Solid core of fruit. Full-bodied, with big, chewy, slightly austere tannins. Lots of currant, mineral and blackberry on the finish. A little more on the midpalate would push it up a notch. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LYNCH-MOUSSAS Pauillac 2006 | 89-91 |
| Really attractive, with a pretty core of ripe fruit, coffee and spice character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long caressing finish. Very well done. Almost 92-94. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU MAGDELAINE St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| A pleasant, medium-bodied wine, with caressing tannins and a medium finish. Silky, with good berry and chocolate character. A little more midpalate would be nice. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU MEYNEY St.-Estèphe 2006 | 89-91 |
| Very attractive, with lots of blackberry and currant character. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Impressive. Very close to the 2005. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| A solid wine, with chocolate, fruit and vanilla character. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, but a little chewy. Stylish for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| LA MONDOTTE St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| A rich wine, with plenty of blackberry and plum character. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Needs a little bit more on the midpalate. Could move up to 92-94. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU MONTROSE St.-Estèphe 2006 | 89-91 |
| Starts off silky and refined. Medium- to full-bodied, with a fine finish, but needs a little more on the midpalate. Attractive spice and currant character. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU NENIN Pomerol 2006 | 89-91 |
| Shows pretty soft tannins, with ripe fruit. Full, round and fruity on the finish. Balanced and refined. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PALMER Margaux Alter Ego 2006 | 89-91 |
| Spicy and delicious. Shows loads of fruit, with fine tannins and a long finish. Very pretty and juicy. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT Pessac-Léognan 2006 | 89-91 |
| A chewy wine, with a full body. There's a slightly hollow center palate, but also good rich fruit and spice character. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PAVIE-DECESSE St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Solid core of fruit , with silky tannins. Full-bodied and chewy. Slightly hollow midpalate, but stylish and long. Very clean. Almost 92-94. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PÉBY-FAUGÈRES St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Plummy and chocolaty, with a full body, medium chewy tannins and a long finish. Solid. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU DE PEZ St.-Estèphe 2006 | 89-91 |
| Plenty of clean fruit, with blackberry and currant. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PIBRAN Pauillac 2006 | 89-91 |
| Serious concentration of fruit, with currant, plum and mineral character. Full body, silky tannins and a long finish. Well done. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE-BARON Pauillac 2006 | 89-91 |
| Loads of ripe fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, with soft tannins that are ripe and round. Long finish. Almost 92-94. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE-LALANDE Pauillac 2006 | 89-91 |
| Lively, with lots of plum, blackberry and licorice character. Full, round and velvety. Lacks a tiny bit in the midpalate, but nicely done for the vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PIN DE FLEURS St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| This is solid, with ripe fruit, silky tannins and a long finish. Seamless and well done. From the owners of Pipeau. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PRIEURÉ-LICHINE Margaux 2006 | 89-91 |
| Silky, with mineral and currant character, medium body and a fresh finish. Long and caressing. Well done. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PUYGUERAUD Côtes de Francs Cuvée George 2006 | 89-91 |
| This is rich and caressing, with plenty of blackberry and mineral character. Full, with velvety tannins and a medium-to-long finish. 40 percent Malbec, 40 percent Cabernet Franc and 20 percent Merlot. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU ROL VALENTIN St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Pretty and well made, with a lovely core of fruit and silky tannins. All in balance for the vintage. Almost 92-94. —J.S. | |
| SAINTAYME St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| A balanced red, with raspberry and chocolate character, full body and a silky finish. Solid core of fruit here. Well done. From Denis Durantou of L'Église Clinet. —J.S. | |
| LA SÉRÉNITÉ Pessac-Léognan 2006 | 89-91 |
| Silky and refined for the vintage, with a lovely caressing mouthfeel. Medium-to-full body, long finish. A special cuvée from Bernard Magrez, and well done. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU SMITH-HAUT-LAFITTE Pessac-Léognan 2006 | 89-91 |
| Shows good berry and coffee bean character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish of licorice and berry. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU ST.-PIERRE St.-Julien 2006 | 89-91 |
| Full-bodied, with firm, slightly austere and chewy tannins. Medium finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU TALBOT St.-Julien 2006 | 89-91 |
| Very perfumed, with violet and currant character. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Juicy young wine. Impressive. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU TROPLONG-MONDOT St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| Beautiful, with licorice and coffee character and hints of ripe fruit. Full and velvety, with lots going on. Almost 92-94. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU VALANDRAUD St.-Emilion 2006 | 89-91 |
| There's some good fruit, with hints of violet and mineral. Medium- to full-bodied, with a medium finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU D'AGASSAC Haut-Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some berry and mineral character, with a hint of cedar. Medium body, fine tannins and a medium finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BAHANS HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2006 | 85-88 |
| Currants with mineral character. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a light, delicate, fruity finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BEAU-SITE St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Very good fruit for the vintage, with chocolate and currant character. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BELGRAVE Haut-Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Pleasant, medium-bodied red, with bright berry and licorice character. Silky and elegant. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BERNADOTTE Haut-Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Plenty of good fruit. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Pleasant. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA BESSANE Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Berry and currant character, with velvety tannins, but turns a slightly austere. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BEYCHEVELLE St.-Julien 2006 | 85-88 |
| Soft-textured and fruity, with medium body, good flavors and a medium finish. I was expecting a little more out of this. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LE BOSCQ St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Clean-cut, with some pleasant berry and currant character. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BOYD-CANTENAC Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Balanced and silky, with a medium-to-full body, fine tannins and medium finish. Slightly hollow midpalate. Clean. —J.S. | |
| LE BARON DE BRANE Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Clean and fruity, with plum and cherry character, medium body and a light finish. Fresh. Second wine of Brane-Cantenac. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU BRILLETTE Moulis 2006 | 85-88 |
| Blackberry and light licorice. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Just slightly hollow midpalate. —J.S. | |
| CARRUADES DE LAFITE ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2006 | 85-88 |
| Fresh and fruity, with pretty berry and chocolate character. Medium body, soft tannins and a medium, slightly short finish. Second wine of Lafite. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU CHANTELUNE Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some berry and chocolate character. Medium to full body and a medium finish. Sample seems a little tired. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU CHASSE-SPLEEN Moulis 2006 | 85-88 |
| Floral and fruity, with a medium body, refined tannins and a crisp finish. A little austere, but a friendly claret. —J.S. | |
| CLOS MARGALAINE Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some berry and dried herb character. Tannins are a little austere. Medium, chewy finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU CORDEILLAN-BAGES Pauillac 2006 | 85-88 |
| Good concentration of berry and raspberry, with just a hint of spice. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Slightly hollow midpalate. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LE CROCK St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Berry and currant character, but turns a little hollow on the midpalate. Clean and caressing. —J.S. | |
| LA CROIX-BEAUCAILLOU St.-Julien 2006 | 85-88 |
| Chewy, with good fruit and lots of berry and toasted oak. Medium- to full-bodied, but falls pretty fast. Second wine of Ducru. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU DOMEYNE St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Attractive currant and plum character. Medium- to full-bodied, with medium tannins and a medium finish. This is a new château bought in December 2006 by Claire Villars of Haut-Bages-Libéral and Ferrière and her husband, Gonzague Lurton, of Dufrort-Vivens. They blended the 2006. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU DURFORT-VIVENS Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Chocolate, with fresh herb and berry qualities. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU FERRIéRE Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| A little diluted on the midpalate, with berry and currant character. Medium body and a delicate finish. Clean and caressing. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA GARRICQ Moulis 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some berry and spice character. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a medium finish. Little hollow. —J.S. | |
| GOULÉE Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Soft and fruity, with plum and coffee character. Medium-to-full body and a medium finish. Like the texture. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES-AVÉROUS Pauillac 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some berry and vanilla character. Medium body. Lots of wood now. Medium finish. Second wine of Lynch-Bages. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU HAUT-BEAUSÉJOUR St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Currant and blackberry character, with a hint of leafiness. Medium body. Slightly hollow and austere. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU HAUT-MARBUZET St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some berry and currant character, with medium body and firm tannins. Falls a little short, but a pleasant enough wine. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU HAUT-MAURAC Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some pleasant berry and fresh herb character. Round and juicy, with a lightly firm finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU D'ISSAN Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Lots of plummy fruit. Hints of violet follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. Slightly hollow midpalate, but pretty. Almost 89-91. Let's wait and see. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU KIRWAN Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Berry and currant character. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and a medium finish. Needs a bit more on the center palate. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LABÉGORCE-ZÉDÉ Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some good berry and tobacco character in this medium- to full-bodied red, with slightly austere tannins on the finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LAFON-ROCHET St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| A bit lean, but some clean berry and currant character. Medium body. Delicate finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA LAGUNE Haut-Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Floral and fruity, with medium body, silky tannins and a medium finish. Needs a bit more on the midpalate. Clean. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LALANDE-BORIE St.-Julien 2006 | 85-88 |
| Fruity and round, with a chocolate and light coffee character. Medium- to full-bodied. Clean finish. Tannic too. Needs a little more on the midpalate. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LASCOMBES Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Lots of ripe fruit and coffee on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a tobacco, berry aftertaste. Slightly austere tannins. —J.S. | |
| MAGREZ TIVOLI Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Good aromas and flavors of plums, berries and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied and velvety, with a fruity, medium finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU MALESCASSE Haut-Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Pleasant and fruity, with fine tannins and a juicy, fruity palate. Friendly wine. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU MARBUZET St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Balanced and fruity, with ripe and refined tannins and just the right amount of spice. Medium-bodied. Medium long. Pleasant wine already. —J.S. | |
| MAROJALLIA Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some berry and mineral character, with a medium body and fine tannins. Chewy but stylish, with a medium finish. Almost 89-91. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU MONBRISON Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some berry, mineral and fruit character, with slightly austere tannins. Medium- to full-bodied. Medium finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU DU MOULIN Haut-Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Solid core of fruit for the vintage, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Falls a little short in the end. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LES ORMES-DE-PEZ St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Bright currant and berry character follows through to a medium body, with silky tannins and a medium finish. —J.S. | |
| LES PAGODES DE COS St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some good fruit, with spice, berry and mineral character. Medium- to full-bodied. Refined tannins. Slightly bitter. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PALOUMEY Haut-Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Solid core of fruit, with plum and currant character. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. I like this better than the 2005 barrel sample I tasted last year. —J.S. | |
| PAUILLAC DE CHÂTEAU LATOUR Pauillac 2006 | 85-88 |
| Delicious, with currant and berry character. Medium body and a fresh finish. Clean. —J.S. | |
| PAVILLON ROUGE DU CHÂTEAU MARGAUX Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Very fruity, mineral and raspberry character. Full and silky, with fine tannins. Slightly hollow midpalate. Yet long and sweet fruit and firm tannins. —J.S. | |
| LE PETIT MOUTON DE MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some decent fruit, but turns a little herbal, with plum skin character. Medium body. Light finish. Second wine of Mouton. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU PHÉLAN-SÉGUR St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Aromas and flavors of blackberry and lightly toasted oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Clean. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU POTENSAC Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Very attractive mineral, berry and violet character that follows through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with firm tannins and a medium finish. A little hollow on the midpalate, but very pleasing. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU POUGET Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some mineral and currant character. Medium body and a light finish. Short. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU POUJEAUX Moulis 2006 | 85-88 |
| Lots of smoke, berry and spice character on the nose. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Slightly aggressive in the end. But should come around. —J.S. | |
| RÉSERVE DE LA COMTESSE Pauillac 2006 | 85-88 |
| Good fruit, with licorice and berry character. Medium-bodied, with a slightly hollow midpalate, but it's refined. —J.S. | |
| SARGET DE GRUAUD-LAROSE St.-Julien 2006 | 85-88 |
| A little short, but some decent and clean fruit. Mineral and blackberry character. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU SÉNÉJAC Haut-Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| A layered young wine, with currant and berry character. Medium-to-full body, velvety tannins and a medium finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU SERILHAN St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Pleasant berry and currant aromas and flavors, with medium body, fine tannins and a medium finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU SIRAN Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| A cool wine, with currant and mineral character, medium body and a medium finish. Slightly angular tannins. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU SOCIANDO-MALLET Haut-Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Lots of fresh currant and berry character. Full-bodied, with very bright acidity and slightly astringent tannins. Wait and see. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU DU TERTRE Margaux 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some berry fruit, with fine tannins and a medium finish. A little diluted on the midpalate. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA TOUR CARNET Haut-Médoc 2006 | 85-88 |
| Some berry and mineral character. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a short finish. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU LA TOUR CARNET Haut-Médoc Servitude Volontaire 2006 | 85-88 |
| Well-made, with licorice, berry character. Medium- to full-bodied, and velvety, with a medium finish. —J.S. | |
| LES TOURELLES DE LONGUEVILLE Pauillac 2006 | 85-88 |
| Aromas and flavors of blackberry and currant bush follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Pretty good second wine for this vintage. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU TRONQUOY DE ST.-ANNE St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Soft and round, with good fruit and a simple finish. Pleasant. This is the new second wine of Tronquoy-Lalande. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU TRONQUOY-LALANDE St.-Estèphe 2006 | 85-88 |
| Pretty, with soft, silky tannins, medium body and a medium finish. Very pleasing already. —J.S. | |
| CHÂTEAU VALROSE St.-Estèphe Cuvée Alienor 2006 | 85-88 |
| Bright, with spicy black fruit and vanilla character. Medium-bodied. Slightly austere. —J.S. | |
Wines tasted as barrel samples are rated, like bottled wines, on Wine Spectator's 100-point scale, but unlike a bottled wine, which receives a single numerical score, a barrel sample is assigned a score range that reflects the taster's evaluation of the wine's potential for the future, after bottling.
Definition of score ranges: