2009 Château Magdelaine

Dark red. Aromas of dark cherry, currant and menthol are lifted by floral and mineral high notes. At once seamless and penetrating, with bright minerality giving definition and grip to the dark berry and black cherry flavors. Boasts sexy early sweetness and breadth for a wine from this property but a laid-back coolness as well. Finishes with noble tannins and outstanding persistence. This extremely youthful wine should evolve slowly over the next 20 years.

- Stephen Tanzer (07/2012)

Ripe plum, with hints of sanded oak. Full-bodied, with a pretty core of raspberry and blueberry character. Silky and pretty. Balanced and subtle, yet intense. Try after 2017. (03/2012)

Seems a bit stolid today, with a walled-off core of raspberry and cherry preserves framed by a healthy dose of lightly firm roasted vanilla. Very well-built, with sleek edges and good buried charcoal and tobacco, so cellar for harmony down the road. Best from 2014 through 2024. 1,700 cases made.

- J.M.

A property that has largely been replanted over the last 25 years, the 2009 is one of the best the firm of Jean-Pierre Moueix has yet released from this estate. Eighty percent of this vineyard sits on the limestone plateau and 20% on the hillsides, and the 2009 displays a classic confiture of black cherries, some crushed rocks and spring flowers in a full-bodied, yet at the same time, ethereal and rather elegant style. The wine has gorgeous fruit purity, a broad, luscious texture, and more density and richness than one normally finds in this somewhat finesse-styled wine, which seems to have achieved more depth and potential in 2009. This should be drinkable in 5-6 years and keep for 25 or more.

- Robert M. Parker, Jr. (12/2011)