K&L Saturday Tasting: Bordeaux New Arrivals 2003/4/26

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2000	Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc, Pessac-Leognan toasty, very very concentrated citrus, a little bit of anise, nuts, full body, extremely long finish. A memorable Bordeaux white. - so - ws	44.99	****
1999	Pichon-Lalande Reserve de la Comtesse, Pauillac Smoky, green pepper, blackberry, violet, med to full body, chalky tannin, lacking finish and mid palate. - so - ws	20.99	***
1999	Chateau Branaire-Ducru, St. Julien Inky dark, floral, great body, velvety, cassis, plum, long finish. I enjoy this style very much. Think their 2000 is worth buying, although a bit more expensive at $45. - so - ws	29.99	****
2000	Chateau Bois-Martin, Pessac-Leognan Blackcurrant, juicy, simple but concentrated, med body, med finish. - so - ws	16.99	***
2000	Chateau Rauzan-Gassies, Margaux Inky purple, french oak, cherry, acidic, traces of earth, good concentration, chalky, long finish. - so - ws	38.95	****
2000	La Dame de Montrose, St. Estephe Almond, blackcurrant, tight but simple. over rated. Could have given it **, but for the benefit of doubt, perhaps it would open up more in a few years. Second tasting. Same conclusion. - so - ws	23.99	***
2000	Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac Smoky "Grilled fish skin", prominent blackberry aroma, earth, power, astringent, blackcherry, certainly not ready yet. Most powerful Bordeaux in recent Bordeaux tastings. Comparable to Lewis Reserve, just a hint less than Dominus. Ralph Sands said would be ready in 15 years. I think I'd start to like it in 5. - so - ws	57.99	*****
1995	Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan A bit of sulphur, berry, vanilla, extracting, meat, pepper, med to full body with chalky texture. - so - ws	54.99	****
1999	Chateau Nairac Sauternes, Barsac Caramel, honey. Way too sweet to make any judgement. - so - ws	21.99	n/a