2011 Red Wine from France

jamessuckling.com, 97 points: A gorgeous intensity of plum, spice and grilled meat on the nose. Cloves and hints of dried spices. This is a big, structured La Chappelle. Full and powerful with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. A bit austere and...

jamessuckling.com, 95 points: Wow. Wonderfully aromatic nose of currants, blackberries and lilacs. Full body but refined and beautiful. The quality of the tannins is exception. So fine. Lovely austerity and tension on the finish. Better in 2016.

Wine Spectator, 92 points: Full of bright, pure cherry fruit, this red is lush and open, with hints of spice and mint accenting the core flavors. Supple and harmonious, delivering a juicy, mouthwatering finish. Fine length. Best from 2016 through...

Wine Spectator, 91 points: A bright and glossy red, with cherry, raspberry and oak spice aromas and flavors. Well-integrated, this lingers on the finish, echoing fruit and spice. Drink now through 2023. 70 cases made. — BS

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 points: (91-92) Scents of creme de cassis, chocolate, and nutmeg entice from the glass of Liger-Belair’s 2011 Moulin-a-Vent La Roche, though the torrefactive aspect here is no doubt prompted in large part by the wine’s low-sulfur...

Wine Enthusiast, 94 points: As so often with Montrose, this is a powerful, concentrated and very structured wine. Dense tannins are paired with rich black fruits, although at this stage the wine also has a sense of austerity. Power, severity and...

jamessuckling.com, 90 points: A wine with bright fruit such as currants and raspberries. It’s full-bodied, with firm tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Very fine and polished. Very well done for the vintage. Try in 20116.

View From The Cellar, 95 points: 95+ As I noted in November, it was possible that I was underrating the wine a touch at the Salon de Gevrey tasting, as that sample was probably taken from a new barrel which would have been a bit more evolved in the...

Burghound, 90 points: Discreet wood frames somber dark berry fruit aromas that are liberally laced with earth, humus, game and smoke nuances. There is excellent richness and intensity to the round and silky-textured flavors that display good...

Wine Spectator, 90 points: (87-90) Rather graceful, with bing cherry and sandalwood notes and a lightly firm dash of toasted vanilla on the finish. This opens steadily with air, showing more toasted spice and black tea. Not big, but has a suave...

Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: A finely balanced wine-its immense tannins are mitigated by the fruit and dark chocolate flavors. It finishes with a hint of smoky wood. - R.V.