2009 Les Grands Chenes, Médoc

SKU #1085897 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

One of the cru bourgeois estates in the empire of Bernard Magrez, this may possibly be the best wine Les Grands Chenes has yet made. From old vines (average age 45) in the very northern part of the Medoc, the final blend of 51% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc hit 14% natural alcohol. The wine displays loads of espresso roast, black chocolate, creme de cassis, forest floor and tobacco leaf in a full-bodied, opulent, and flamboyant style. Dense, rich and deep in fruit, it exhibits the plush... (2/ 2012)

87-90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(58% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 2% cabernet franc) Deep ruby-red. Fresh, captivating aromas of black fruits, minerals, black pepper and oak. Dense, sweet and generous, yet this maintains a restrained quality and an elegant mouth feel to its chewy red and black fruit flavors lifted by welcome minerality. Boasts a firm tannic spine and lively acidity but avoids coming off as hard. The sweet, savory, persistent finish features youthfully chewy but civilized tannins that do not brutalize the palate. I found this more refined and less massive than a number of other 2009s from the stable of Bernard Magrez. (6/ 2010)

89 points Wine Spectator

Black cherry, espresso, sanguine and anise flavors mingle in this chewy red. It has a dark, brooding character enlivened by fresh acidity. Assertive tannins take over on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2020. (3/ 2012)