Blackberry and mineral on the nose, with hints of mint. Full-bodied, with superpolished and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. All there. Best ever?
Wine SpectatorScore: 92-95/100
Tasted at the chateau. The crop was picked for the Merlot, from 30th September until 9th October, the Cabernet Sauvignon from 5th October until 19th October, the Petit Verdot on 9th October. The blend is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot with the alcohol level at around 13.8% and pH 3.55 matured in 50% new oak. Very deep, almost opaque purple hue. The nose is opulent and very ripe, moderate definition, blackberry, cassis, a touch of blueberry, orange liqueur and a touch of anis. The palate is full-bodied with supple, rounded tannins, good structure and very pure. The longer this remains in the mouth, the more that I warm to this, a Margaux daring towards opulence but at the final moment, remembering were it was born and applying an austere break right on the finish. Given that this is Ludovic David’s first vintage, it should be considered a great success. Drink 2013-2025+ Tasted March 2010.
Neal MartinScore: 91-93/100
Very dark. Intensely meaty nose. Colour stains the inside of the glass. Pretty strong oak influence but at least it’s savoury as opposed to sweet oak. Very ambitious indeed. Needs lots of time. Quite nervy. Long. A little exaggerated but not in supersweet mode, which is why I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt – but the doubt is there!
Jancis Robinson MWScore: 17/20
Fine black red, well-extracted red/black fruits, good vigourous expression and good future, perhaps more weight than finesse. Drink 2014-22.
DecanterScore: 16.5/20
A ripe, woodsy wine with plenty of forest floor, black currant, cherry and dusty, loamy soil notes, this wine is showing quite well, with medium to full-bodied, silky tannins and a long finish. It should certainly last for 20+ years. Dec 2011, www.robertparker.com
Robert ParkerScore: 89/100
Bordeaux / France