TNR: Bordeaux

[YoelA]

Tasting notes, please, for

2004 Branaire-Ducru
2004 Carbonnieux (rouge)
2000 Ch. la Commanderie de Mazeyres (Pomerol)
2003 Smith-Haut-Lafitte blanc
2004 Grand-Puy-Ducasse
2006 Langoa-Barton
2004 Clos Fortet

and your thoghts on the 2004 and 2006 vintages in general.

For those in the Bay Area, these and some others are on special sale at the Oakland Grocery Outlet, 29th and Broadway. Prices range from $ 25 to about 50.

[Daniel Rogov]

Yoel, Hi...

Following are my tasting notes for those of the wines on your list that I have tasted.

Best
Rogov


Chateau Branaire-Ducru, St. Julien, 2004: Showing much as at an earlier tasting. Dark ruby towards garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with super-soft, near sweet tannins and showing a generous array of berry, currant and black cherry fruits. Not overly complex but easy to drink and a comfortable match to small cuts of beef, lamb or pork. Drink now-2016.. Score 89. (Re-tasted 28 Mar 2007)

Chateau Carbonnieux, Pessac-Leognan, 2004: Nothing complex here but a very appealing little wine. Medium-bodied, with soft, gently caressing tannins and hints of spicy oak. On the nose and palate crushed berries supported by notes of Mediterranean herbs and earthy minerals. Drink now-2015. Score 88. (Tasted 17 Jun 2008)

Chateau la Commanderie de Mazeyres, Pomerol, 2000: Dark ruby towards garnet, medium- to full-bodied with soft tannins and a bare hint of smoky oak. Opens in the glass to reveal wild berries and cassis, those complemented by notes of chocolate and exotic spices, all with just the right level of complexity to grab the attention. Drink now-2015. Score 91. (Re-tasted 15 Nov 2008)

Chateau Smith-Haute-Lafitte, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan, 2003:Light burnished gold in color, full-bodied and concentrated with generous notes of white peaches, apples, citrus peel and raisins parting from mid-palate to make way for notes of spices and stony minerals. Drink now-2013. Score 93. (Re-tasted but not blind 22 Nov 2009)

Chateau Grand-Puy-Ducasse, Pauillac, 2004: Very nice indeed. Dark garnet, full-bodied, with silky smooth tannins and notes of spicy wood to highlight aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, blackberries and eucalyptus, all leading to a long and generous finish. Drink now-2017. Score 91. (Tasted 17 Jun 2008)

Chateau Langoa Barton, St.-Julien, 2006: Living nicely up to its barrel tasting promise. Soft and round, medium- to full-bodied and with tannins that caress gently. On first attack crushed berries and citrus peel, those yielding to notes of blackcurrants, bittersweet chocolate and a hint of earthy minerals. Not long but generous.
Score 90. (Re-tasted 28 May 2010)

As to the two vintage years, both good but not overly exciting, both yielding well balanced wines meant for moderate-term cellaring.