Château Belleuve Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2000
Earlier this year, I was invited to attend a dinner showcasing several vintages of Vieux Château Certan. François Thienpont was on-hand to explain the wines, and I felt lucky indeed to be seated next to him throughout the evening. Château Bellevue is managed by his brother, Nicolas and vigneron, Stephane Derenoncourt. A blend of 80% Merlot […]
Château Beau-Séjour Bécot Premier Grand Cru Classé Saint-Émilion 2000
Ruby-hued and breathtakingly fresh, with a deep perfume of black cherry and cassis, forest notes, cedar, graphite, violets and an unexpected top note of smoke and coal dust. In the mouth, the 2000 Beau-Sejour Becot is silk over sinew, with penetrating black fruit neatly framed by polished tannins and moderate acidity. There are decadent notes […]
Château Ausone Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé 2000
Where to begin? Château Ausone 2000 recalls some of my top red Burgundies—wines of this caliber have an otherworldly quality, that can only be described as an ethereal, gossamer, and transcendent. Complex, ever-evolving layers of black currants, ripe blueberries, gravelly earth, iron, olives, sweet tobacco, violets, camphor, and even a touch of dried honey. It’s […]
Château Figeac Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé 1995
Figeac has been on my radar for some time now. News of Michel Rolland replacing the existing team at the estate in early 2013 created ripples amongst fans. Revered for its old-school styling, I’m glad to have had the chance to taste it, courtesy Burgnut. Incredibly fresh, the ’95 yields classic notes of black currant, […]
Château Certan-Marzelle 2000
Château Certan-Marzelle has been under the ownership of Christian Moueix since 1999. 2000 represents the first vintage under his management, and is comprised of 100% Merlot, and it’s a tiny operation with little more than 1000 cases. Aromas of plum, forest floor and cedar waft from the glass. Medium-bodied and supple, with brisker-than-expected acidity and […]