Very modern, with overt maple notes and plenty of black-fruit aromas. The toasty, tight bouquet oozes bitter chocolate and cassis, while the firm palate yields nothing but oak-enveloped plum and cherry. Needs two years to soften. From Baron Philippe de Rothschild and several Limoux-area growers known as the Vignerons du Sieur d’Arques.
— M.S.
(1/1/2004)
It’s easy to see Rothschild’s Bordeaux influence in this one—it’s more about chalky, minerally tannins than oak, and offers mixed berries on both palate and nose. An acorn nuttiness and some dried spices linger throughout. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carmenère. Best Buy.
— D.T.
(7/1/2002)
The cedar, cinnamon and cigar box aromas of this beautifully balanced red are a tell-tale mark of its Mouton heritage. It has a depth and complexity not often seen from France's south. Dried cherry, tobacco and earth flavors flow into a long and elegant, if a bit woody, finish. This can use two years in the cellar, and joins the upper echelon of wines setting the…
— M.M.
(2/1/2002)
From a varietal similar to Cabernet Sauvignon that shares its profile of a full-bodied, dry red wine, with herbal and berry flavors and dusty tannins. Hard to tell the difference, except for a peppery, tobacco note.
— P.G.
(12/1/2002)
A touch roasted and fiery on the nose, with a lot of earth and wood-based spice. The palate runs toward tart and snappy, with cherry skin and blackberry accounting for the fruit content. Bright in terms of flavor and profile, but on the leaner side when it comes to feel. Imported by Constellation Wines USA.
— M.S.
(5/1/2006)
Full bodied and rich, this has flavors of apple and lemon, with a warm and ripe feel that is balanced by a final mineral character. It needs several months to come together.
— R.V.
(2/1/2013)
Spice and heat rise from the bouquet of this 14.5% heavyweight. Talk about ripeness taken to the limits; this wine is saturated to the core, with weighty dark-fruit flavors and medicinal, brown sugar notes on the finish. Not stewed or burnt, but drink now for all its richness and ripeness. Imported by Centerra Wine Company.
— M.S.
(7/1/2008)
Enjoyable, but not necessarily for everyone: Cocoa, carob and oak aromas present a sweet trail-mix profile that shows up again on the finish. Oak, blackberries and a little chalk balance out the sturdy tannins in the mouth; the finish isn’t too long, but shows more of the bouquet’s nut-carob notes. Best Buy.
— D.T.
(2/1/2002)