Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 88 / 100 byIan D'Agatathe8/31/2014 Moderately saturated ruby. Rather cool, pungent aromas of dark berries, coffee, mint, flowers and herbs. Then smooth and rich in the mouth, offering good sweetness but also a distinct greenness to the blackcurrant, coffee and menthol flavors. Finishes long, but with bitingly dry tannins that coat the palate. Try decanting this several hours ahead to soften it a little. (88(+?) points)
Wine Advocate 90 / 100 byRobert Parkerthe5/2/2014 This small estate (only 130,000 bottles were produced in 2011) has been on a qualitative tear for a number of years. A fragrant perfume of spring flowers, black raspberries, blueberries and cassis is followed by a wine with medium-bodied, juicy flavors, sweet tannin and a broad, generous mouthfeel. A terrific 2011, it should be at its peak in 2-4 years, and last for 15 or more. Bravo!
Jamessuckling.com 92 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe2/19/2014 A wine that has a dense core of fruit, with blackberry and licorice character. Full body with velvety tannins and fresh finish. Balance and character are two words that come to mind for this wine. Better in 2018.
Wine Spectator 92 / 100 byJames Molesworththe2/10/2014 A bit woodsy in feel now, with a youthfully raw edge, as singed sandalwood and alder notes liberally frame the core of dark cherry, plum and black currant fruit. This has length and drive, with a smoldering feel echoing. Should be among the top examples of the AOC in 2011 after it settles in fully. Best from 2016 through 2028.
La Revue du Vin de France 15,5-16,5 / 20 the5/31/2012 Le cru fait partie de ceux qui ont vendangé le plus tard au sein de l'appellation. Il en résulte un vin de belle densité, avec un coeur de fruit très savoureux et surtout un beau volume. Un Margaux charmeur, friand, mais aussi profond et surtout long.
Le Point 16 / 20 byJacques Dupontthe5/17/2012 Fruits noirs, note épicée, tabac blond, bouche dense, moelleuse, riche, puissante, tendue, frais, bien rond, fruits noirs, puissant, riche, onctueux sans être fatiguant. 14,2° O= 2017 G= 15 ans
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 88-91 / 100 byIan D'Agatathe5/12/2012 Fully saturated ruby-purple color. Perfumed nose offers cassis, bay leaf, cocoa and minerals. Fresh and precise in the mouth, with delicate dark berry and incense flavors. More fruit here than in most other Margaux in 2011, with lively acidity providing clarity and cut. Boasts excellent stuffing but finishes with mounting, slightly dry tannins.
Decanter.com 17 / 20 the4/30/2012 Strikingly aromatic blackcurrant fruit, very good natural richness of flavour, a slight greenness that will blend out, good potential and good length. Drink 2015-2025.
Wine Advocate 91-93 / 100 byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2012 This dense ruby/purple-colored, opulently-styled 2011 displays terrific fruit intensity, velvety, well-integrated tannins, surprising density and richness as well as decent acidity. Notes of ink, blueberry liqueur and creme de cassis are present in this medium to full-bodied, flamboyant Margaux. It should drink nicely for 15 or more years.
TAST 16,5-17 / 20 by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/30/2012 Un peu réduit au nez mais le vin se déploie en totale liberté en bouche, affirman finesse de texture et densité du tanin. Vin de caractère, fidèle à ses habitudes.
Wein Wisser 17 / 20 byRené Gabrielthe4/30/2012 Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Warmes, reifes Beerenbouquet, eine feine, ausladende Süsse zeigend. Samtiger Gaumen, viel Saft in den stoffigen Tanninen, klingt lange nach und ist sehr gut gelungen. Bestätigt das hohe Niveau der letzten Jahre. 2019-2043
The Wine Cellar Insider 91-93 / 100 byJeff Levethe4/27/2012 From an assemblage of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the alcohol reached 13.5%. With yields of 38% hectoliters per hectare, the wine will be aged in 100% new oak. With coffee, truffle, tobacco, licorice, blackberry, vanilla and black cherry liqueur in the nose, this supple, round, polished wine offers sweet black cherry and chocolate in the round finish. 91-93 Pts
Wine Advocate 89-91 / 100 byNeal Martinthe4/27/2012 A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the Malescot has a perfumed bouquet with dark plum, raspberry and wild strawberry fruit. It has very fine lift for the vintage. The palate has good weight on the entry with plump mulberry fruit laced with spice. It is a little chunky compared to the 2010 but it makes a good effort in a difficult vintage, plus the oak is well integrated towards the finish. This may warrant a higher score after bottling. Tasted April 2012
Asian Palate 90-91 / 100 byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2012 Full bodied and generous, this wine year after year consistently produces high quality wine in the past decade. Excellent balance, ripe tannins and good depth ending with a fairly long finish. Well made wine with plums and layers of blackberry fruit and cedar. The flavours are restrained by an enormous amount of tannins, but given the depth of the fruit, there is promise that this wine will show its best with at least five years of bottle age.
Jancis Robinson 16 / 20 byJulia Harding MWthe4/19/2012 Drink 2017-2027 Elderberry juice, black core. Sweet damson fruit. Gently inviting though there's no sense of excitement. A bit lean on the palate, fresh enough but the structure overpowers the fruit so the tannins finish dry – though maybe it will gain flesh? Score assumes so. (JH)
Wine Spectator 90-93 / 100 byJames Molesworththe4/10/2012 This is very solid, with a delicious beam of dark currant and plum fruit framed nicely with graphite and espresso notes. Shows depth and length, with well-embedded acidity.—J.M.
Wine Enthusiast 90-92 / 100 byRoger Vossthe4/3/2012 This wine feels solid, with its tannins forming a base for the juicy red- and dark-berry flavors. It shows a dry side and a dense finish. —R.V
Jamessuckling.com 91-92 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/1/2012 Black licorice and blueberries on the nose and palate. Medium to full body, with fine tannins and a juicy finish. Delicate and caressing.