Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 89 / 100 byStephen Tanzerthe8/30/2010 Bright ruby-red. Smoke, minerals, spices, tobacco leaf and a whiff of green olive on the nose; almost exotic but not in a classical Pomerol way. The exotic quality carries through in the mouth, which is firm and rather uncompromising today. A structured style of VCC but showing limited flesh today.
Wine Advocate 89 / 100 byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2010 Spicy notes of pepper, herbs, licorice, and black currants jump from the glass of this round, medium-bodied, easy to drink, cleanly made, soft wine. Enjoy it over the next decade.... Drink 2010-2020
Wine Spectator 91 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2010 Shows blackberry, fresh mushroom and Indian spices on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, glorious finish for the vintage. Well-crafted as usual. Best after 2013.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 88-91 / 100 byStephen Tanzerthe6/30/2008 (a blend of 72% merlot and 28% cabernet franc) Bright, deep ruby-red. Aromas of blackberry and licorice. Sweet and supple but lively, with good pepper and violet lift to the black fruit and chocolatey oak flavors. A very fresh wine with lovely persistence but a slightly peppery aspect on the back. The palate-coating tannins reach the teeth. This should evolve slowly for a 2007 Pomerol.
Le Point 16,5-17 / 20 byJacques Dupontthe5/15/2008 Résine, épices, fruits noirs, bouche pleine, mûre, élégant, fin, tendu, milieu de bouche rempli, beaucoup de finesse.
Wine Advocate 90-91 / 100 byNeal Martinthe4/30/2008 The nose has good intensity, with ripe black cherry, boysenberry and that slight clayey scent that I found in some of Denis Durantou’s wines. With time, a stony aroma become evident. The palate is medium-bodied, well-defined, the Cabernet Franc component exerting more an influence at this early stage. Texturally similar to L’Eglise-Clinet, but with a slight animally note towards the finish that moves towards an espresso flavour. Very good length although of course it does not have the weight and persistency of either the 2005 or 2006 on the finish. Still a very fine wine. Tasted April 2008.
TAST 17 / 20 the4/29/2008 Un vin très élégant, au fruité pur et épanoui, friand, souple, sans maigreur, doté de tannins soyeux, long. Un vin classique, pas aussi corsé que quelques pairs, mais qui prendra de l’ampleur après un an de barrique, comme toujours.
Jancis Robinson 17.50 / 20 byJancis Robinsonthe4/14/2008 Will be assembled next week. 72% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon was unripe although Alexandre Thienpont added a little Cabernet Sauvignon press wine! Particularly bright deep crimson – very healthy looking. Supple, slightly green nose – but with real satin to it - smooth and polished. Very fine, lively, complete and polished. Drink at 5-6 years, he says. Very fine and easy. Light with lots of finesse though absolutely not for ageing, Restaurant wine? Very pretty at 12.5% alcohol. Much bigger crop than 2006. ‘Smiling Merlot.’ Simple – to drink for the fruit.
Decanter Magazine 17.50 / 20 the4/4/2008 Grapes from the 30 year-old vines rather than the 60-year old made the final stiff selection this year (only 50% made the grand vin). The Cabernet Franc (28%) gives the wine a crystalline edge. Fresh, pure and tender with a delicate tannic structure so not for the long haul.
Wine Spectator 88-91 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/2/2008 A sweet and fruity wine, with chocolate, berry and plum character. Medium body, fine tannins and a long finish. Tender wine. 72 percent Merlot, 28 percent Cabernet Franc. —J.S.