What wrote on the wine by CellarTracker Jeff Leve wrote in 2017, we still apply 'firm, dusty, medium-bodied, bright, crisp and with an earthy, smoky, mineral-driven, red berry, coffee bean and herbal quality.' There is a lifted acidity, which throws the wine out of balance. Beausejour Duffau is always dense and weighty, and this bottle of 2007 remains so: thick and spicy with touches of wood, cinnamon, dusty tannins and an open sweet plum flavour. This wine may not be for the tasters looking for finesse. Excellent value.
Scores are in the 91 range.
Opaque violet; with a tight, pick rim. To start, suppressed nose of cassis, raspberry and plum aromas uncovered. After that come the cedar and cigar box tones; there are good dark fruit, cedary and chocolate flavours on the palate, with grippy tannins, spice, and acidity that hold onto the fruit and show some juiciness. The spicy finish outlasts the fruit, which is not bad for the class—a medium finish.
Slight oxygenation in the glass will serve well. The drinking window is relatively narrow and probably within one hour.
A famous second wine from Margaux. Still easy to drink, with its 60% Merlot fruit backed up by 40% Cabernet, which forms its structure.
Scores adequate for a second wine, like CT90.
Compared to 2009, 2011 is softer attributable to the higher Merlot component (49%) blended with 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. However, it nosed and tastes straightforwardly uncomplicated, with red fruit, mocha notes, roasted herbs, fresh grass, white chocolate and berry fruit. Still as structured as 2009 and 2010, it is enjoyable.
Tasting scores are consistent with 2009 and 2010 as well:
JS91. A wine with a seamless tannin structure of ripe tannins. Very fine and polished. Lovely subtle fruit. Well done for the second wine of Pichon Lalande. Edited.
Tim Atkins 93. Sixty per cent of the crop at Pichon Lalande went into the second wine, and the selection policy has worked to good effect, as this is a severe red. Fleshy and opulent, with smoky black fruits, a hint of chocolate, refreshing, slightly grassy Cabernet notes, and dense tannins. Edited.
