Chateau Leo de Prades, Saint-Estephe, France 2008

Tasting
Thanks to ideal conditions of climate and geology, Saint-Estèphe wines are characterized by their sturdy qualities and robust constitution. Accordingly, they can be laid down for a very long time while yet preserving their youth and freshness. Distinguished by a subsoil which is more clayey than that in the other communal appellations which lie by the river, the wine here attains a distinctive individuality : a very rich tannic structure, a fine deep red colour and an exceptional backbone with aromas of great finesse.

Production conditions (Decree dated September 11, 1936):

In order to have the right to the Saint-Estèphe appellation of controlled origin, red wines must:
- come from the communes of Saint-Estèphe, "excluding any parcels in that area which are situated on recent alluvium and sand on impermeable subsoils",
- satisfy precise production conditions : grape-varieties (Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet-Franc, Carmenère, Merlot Noir, Petit Verdot, Cot or Malbec), minimum of sugar (178 grammes - 6.27 oz. - per litre of must) degree (an acquired 10°5) base yield (45 hectolitres per hectare).
(3 , 2012, 198)

morande gran reserva 2009

Elegance, complexity and fruit structure are the characteristic features of these Gran Reserva. The wines harmoniously combine the balanced interaction of soil, grape variety, vineyard management and winemaker.

Winemaking

Concept / “Terroir wines” which perfectly represent their varieties and specific places of origin. They are obtained from low-yield vineyards and the grapes are selected by hand. The Chardonnay is fermented and kept in French oak barrels for 9 months. The red wines are kept in French barrels, from a variety of barrel-makers, forests and types of toasting, for 14 months.
Style / Complex, structured, spicy, elegant and refined

(2, 2012, 168)

2007 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru)

Tasting note:

nose: lovely and round nose of berries, dark red cherries, cedar, red fruits and some currants. Has a real feminine side to it on the nose that works very well with the fruit

taste: elegant medium feel with good tannins and pretty tones of berries, dark red cherries, cedar, cigar wrapper, and red currants. Good depth with a nice polished feel to it already

overall: This should be a real nice wine to have over the mid-term. Pretty aromatics and feel, there is a real good balance to this as well.

(4, 2012, 318)

Clairault Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Region:	Margaret River, Australia
Grape:	Cabernet Sauvignon
Colour:	Red
Sweetness:	Dry
Body:	Medium to Full-Bodied
Tasting Note:	100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon spent 18 months maturing in French oak barriques (40% new). Deep garnet colored, if offers expressive notes of macerated blackberries and black currants over aromas of cedar, cracked black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon stick and cloves. Medium bodied and taut in the mouth, it has a fine backbone of crisp acid and medium-high level of grainy tannins supporting just enough muscular fruit, finishing long with some earthiness coming through. Approachable now, it should drink best 2012 to 2022+. RP
Food Match:	Steaks, Lamb, Aged Cheeses
Rating:	92+   -   95
Size:	75CL (3, 2012, 248)

d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2008

Region:	McLaren Vale, Australia
Grape:	Syrah/Viognier
Colour:	Red
Sweetness:	Dry
Body:	Full-Bodied
Tasting Note:	The 2008 Laughing Magpie Shiraz-Viognier (6%) spent 12 months in 15% new French and American oak. It is deep crimson-colored with an alluring bouquet of cedar, lilacs, Asian spices, black cherry, and blueberry. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and layered with savory fruit. Nicely balanced, it will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2020. RP
Food Match:	Steaks, Lamb, Aged Cheeses
Rating:	91   85   94 (3, 2012; 148)