Red Wine from Pessac Leognan

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: A blend of just over 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot (last year I mistakenly wrote that the balance was Cabernet Franc) the opaque ruby/purple-colored 2009 reveals notes of scorched earth/burning...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 98 points: 98+ A dense ruby/purple-tinged color offers up notes of forest floor subtle wood smoke mulberries black cherries cassis and a hint of lead pencil shavings. There is even a floral component lurking in the intricate...

jamessuckling.com, 94 points: Sweet berry and sweet tobacco with chocolate and orange peel on the nose. Full and velvety tannins and long finish. Gorgeous. Creamy texture. Try in 2016.

jamessuckling.com, 98 points: This is very tight and rich with dried apple, mango and papaya, yet it's bright and floral. Full body, dense fruit and a long, powerful finish. Really open already but complex and beautiful with a richness and intensity...

jamessuckling.com, 94 points: Gorgeous nose of warm stones and dark fruits. Full body with a solid core of fruit and chewy tannins, and a long and intense finish. Best ever. Best after 2016.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 100 points: The finest wine ever made by proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard the 2009 Smith-Haut-Lafitte exhibits an opaque blue/purple color in addition to a glorious nose of acacia flowers licorice charcoal blueberries black...

jamessuckling.com, 98 points: Wonderful aromas of plums and blueberries and flowers. Full-bodied with plums stones hazelnuts and milk chocolate and a long long finish. Marvelous. Best ever. Try in 2017.