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Deep ruby with a tight rim. Bold, ripe black fruits (plum, blackcurrant) and spicy notes of black and white pepper. Full-bodied yet elegant, showing complexity and refinement. The structured palate mirrors the nose, with more savoury, earthy, liquorice, and smoky nuances. Balanced and harmonious, with 14.5% ABV. Regum mensis arisque decorum—Issan is truly worthy of kings' tables and gods' altars.
From my primeur experience on 2011, this vintage is mostly classic and structured, shaped by a relatively cool growing season that favoured freshness and balance. Château d'Issan 2011 should continue to develop gracefully for another 5–10 years. Ideal with simple, nice food such as Peking Duck, Roast Goose, or a piece of plain, non-marinated Sirloin.
Critical reception is strong, with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (92 points) praising its dense ruby colour, abundant cassis, kirsch, liquorice, and plush opulence, anticipating maturity through 2028. To me, this wine will age well beyond. Decanter (95 points) highlights high aromatics, vibrant black fruits, freshness, and a mouthwatering saline finish, calling it approachable earlier than usual.
Wine-Searcher lists recent global prices for Château d'Issan 2011 at HK$510-HK$710 per bottle. My price is HK$440@, and it has high neck levels.
For enquiries, contact me on WhatsApp at 66236746 or by email at cf.lau@dunndunn.hk.
(ai Photo)
Lafon Rochet 2013 shows a deep ruby hue with a tight rim, suggesting a youthful appearance. There is a core of pure fruit and subtle violet notes. The ABV is 13%. Oak is present but not dominant, bringing understated hints of red berry and candied orange. The palate is medium-bodied, with sour cherry, firm tannins, and a touch of chocolate on the finish. With air, notes of air, cassis, dark cherry, and herbs develop. Acidity is fresh, and the tannins give structure, resulting in a balanced but not showy wine. For the vintage and price, it is a solid, honest effort with potential for modest improvement over the next few years.
On Wine-Searcher, Lafon Rochet 2013 is typically listed between HK$320 and HK$450, while my price is HK$ 310—a strong value relative to the market.
Lafon Rochet 2013 can be a little restrained on release and benefits from 20 minutes of breathing or decanting. The oak influence may not suit those who prefer a pure fruit style. While 2013 is not the most celebrated Bordeaux vintage, the estate's quality here is strong. Limited availability could make re-purchase difficult.
These points offer an honest view of the wine’s strengths and potential drawbacks, helping you decide if it fits your preferences and budget.
The wine has received favourable scores, with the highest rating of 92 from the esteemed Wine Enthusiast. Their review is summarised as follows:
This estate, part of the same family that owns the esteemed Château Pontet-Canet, is continuously improving. The 2013 vintage is a testament to this: its ripe fruit, delicious acidity, and a firm, dry backdrop of solid tannins. It's a wine meant to be savoured, and we recommend enjoying it from 2020 onwards.
For enquiries, please contact cf.lau@dunndunn.hk or WhatsApp 66236746.
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The wine is deep ruby with a bit of bricking at the edge, showing it is fully mature. It smells of cedar, blackcurrant, dried tobacco, and leather- quite tertiary though to start with. With 13% ABV, it feels medium-bodied, and the tannins are smooth. Cassis, mineral, dried herbs, and oak lured in. The acidity keeps it fresh, but the fruit fades after a second sniff. The finish is moderate, highlighting savoury, mature notes. This wine is at its peak now and should be enjoyed soon, ideally within the next year or two, as its fruit and structure are starting to fade; there is a certain greenness in the last sips of the last glasses. If you want, pair with simple dishes like roast goose or Peking duck. There are slight sediments. No decanting or breathing is suggested.
This wine shows the aged character and classic mature complexity you expect from Pauillac. The tannins are well integrated, making it ready to drink now. It’s a good way to get to know the style of Château Lynch Bages' main wine. The price is appealing for a mature Bordeaux.
The 2004 vintage was ranked good, but, in my view, average. So, this wine lacks the power and depth of the best years. As the second wine from Lynch Bages, it does not have the same structure, ageing potential, or reputation as the main wine, which is just normal. The fruit is fading, and while some primary fruit flavours remain, they are less noticeable. On the palate, it can feel a bit thin or short, with about five seconds of fruit flavour, especially when compared to better vintages or the main wine. The price is fair for a mature Bordeaux of this type, but you might find other wines of similar quality at similar prices.
Price Comparison (HK$). Wine-Searcher Range: ~HK$300–$400 (varies by condition, retailer, and shipping). Your Offer Price of $330 is a great value; it does not aim to match the lowest price but reflects excellence through neck levels and Storage.
Critics give this wine scores in the mid-80s: Wine Spectator 87, Robert Parker/Wine Advocate 86, and Jancis Robinson 15.5/20. In my view, scores for second wines like this one have got to be understood from the context of the First Wine. The critics, surely, have their own reviewing systems, and they cannot rank a second wine higher than a first. What if a CB has the same score as a second wine like this one? That has to be understood in light of other substantial knowledge about the wines, as well. I scored it 90 points.
It was aged for 12 to 14 months in 50% new French oak, just like Lynch Bages the main wine. The oak is noticeable but balanced, adding spice, cedar, and structure to support the wine’s character.
To conclude, Haut-Bages Averous 2004 gives you mature Pauillac flavours at a reasonable price. As a second wine from an average year, it is a good choice for those who want classic, aged Bordeaux, but it does not have the depth or excitement of the estate’s best wines or top vintages.
WhatsApp us at 66236746 or connect through cf.lau@dunndunn.hk if you are interested in this wine.
