Once again, Thierry Valette has crafted a reference in this appellation and one of the top values of the vintage. From the up-and-coming region of Côtes de Castillon, the 2006 Clos Puy Arnaud offers beautiful aromatic expression. It is a beautiful crimson color. The nose shows good intensity with notes of red berries combined with flowers and earthy minerals. The balanced palate expands nicely and gently toward a soft, fruity and lingering finish. A very pleasant wine. Highly recommended. PJ 92

Chateau d'Aiguilhe, one of several properties of Count Stephan Von Niepperg, is always a highlight of the Côtes de Castillon appellation. 2006 d'Aiguilhe delivers an extremely aromatic expression of ripe red fruit with plum, wild berry notes and touches of earth, oak and smoke. The attack reveals good concentration and builds into a juicy, intense and balanced mid-palate. Good acidity and fine tannins lead into a long, juicy finish. PJ 92+

The 2006 is an excellent effort for La Prade and further evidence that Côtes de Francs is an appellation well worth getting to know, especially for value-minded Bordeaux lovers. The nose is chock full of mineral laden plum notes with a hint of roasted red pepper. The mineral and plum notes show through richly on the palate and are layered with black cherry, mixed berry and kirch tones. The tannins are ripe and chewey, and lead into a long, milk chocolate infused finish. A great buy. PJ 90+

Always a standout in this value appellation, Puygueraud has made a great showing in 2006. The nose is full with ripe, smokey plum and blackberry scents. The attack is fleshy, juicy and polished with the notes on the nose plus meaty undertones and hints of spice. Very drinkable with creamy tannins and a long finish. A major value winner. PJ 92

“Wow, has this property come back with resounding quality over the last three or four years, producing wines that are better than anything they made during their glory days in the seventies and eighties. The 2006 La Lagune, a superb effort for the vintage, boasts a saturated purple color as well as a sweet perfume of boysenberry jam intermixed with raspberries, pain grille, and flowers. Exceptional fruit purity and medium body result in a sensational wine that should be drinkable in 3-4 years, and last for two decades.” —WA 92-94

“This classic wine is built for long-term aging (the French expression is vin de garde). A saturated purple color is followed by an extraordinary nose of graphite, cold steel, black currant jam, and a subtle truffle/earthy note. Powerful with highly extracted richness, high tannins, and the concentration necessary to stand up to the wine’s structure, it will require 7-10 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades thereafter.” —WA 90-92, PJ 93

“Owned by Bordeaux empire builder Bernard Magrez, this estate has been on fire ... qualitatively speaking ... since 2001. The 2006, another top-notch effort, underwent two de-leafings (one in early summer and one a few months later) and two crop-thinnings, which explain the tiny yields. There is also a severe triage after the wine is made. A final blend of 60% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot has resulted in a wine with a lovely perfume of sweet black currants, truffles, incense, and smoke. With sweet but noticeable tannin, medium to full body, brilliant concentration and purity as well as terrific precision and style, this stunning effort is unquestionably a sleeper of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030.” —WA 91-93

“A deep ruby/plum/purple hue is followed by aromas of tar, licorice, black currants, and roasted herbs, sweet, sexy fruit, soft, velvety tannins, medium to full body, and impressive purity. Drink this plush Margaux over the next 15-18 years.” —WA 89-91, PJ 93+

“Very powerful and rich. Fantastic. Full, silky and structured. Yet layered and rich, with loads of mineral, violet and coffee character. Incredible. So much finesse in the nose. What a wine. Similar to the 1995, which received 100 points.” —WS 95-100

Pavillon Rouge, the second wine of Château Margaux, is one of the most popular wines of Bordeaux at the high end. The 2006 edition is sleek, ripe and smooth. It shows chewey cherry and classic black currant notes with mineral and spice tones on the nose and palate. The attack is silky smooth and the wine is elegant and well-balanced with soft, polished and full tannins that lead into a velvety finish. It will evolve beautifully and is available at a fraction of the price of the Grand Vin. PJ 92+

The Margaux appellation’s better producers fared very well in 2006 and Prieuré-Lichine’s 2006 is fresh, silky, accessible and easy drinking. Aromas of crushed red berries, minerals and a touch of oak grace the nose. These notes are mirrored on the smooth and ample palate. It offers a rich mid-palate, good complexity, very good balance and a long, fresh and fruity finish. The name speaks for itself. Prieuré-Lichine has always been a quality reference point for Margaux. Never a star, but always good—or simply put, a classy and elegant Bordeaux, year after year. The 2006 should not be overlooked.

Another strong showing for this Pauillac favorite and second wine of Château Lafite-Rothschild. The nose offers raspberry, cherry, smoke and mineral aromas. The palate is elegant with a juicy attack, a chewy mouthfeel and an array of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors. Good acidity adds lift and carries its fine tannins into a satiny, blueberry and mineral finish. PJ 91

“A brilliant success for Clerc-Milon, this deep ruby/purple-hued blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc exhibits notes of espresso roast, chocolate, cedar, and copious amounts of black currant fruit. It is a medium to full-bodied, pure, rich, layered, intense effort built along the lines of the 1996, but with more forward fruit at present.” —WA 91-93

“Not surprisingly, this estate’s owner, the Rothschild family (who also owns Lafite-Rothschild), has been making significant investments in Duhart’s winemaking facilities and vineyards. These investments helped create a blockbuster 2003 and 2005 as well as an outstanding 2006. Eliminating 50% of the crop produced a 1986-ish blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot exhibiting notes of creme de cassis, pain grille, black cherries, and undertones of loamy earth, herbs, and spice. Copious richness and up-front fruit (the latter a characteristic of the vintage) along with good freshness and liveliness suggest this Pauillac will be at its finest between 2012-2025.” —WA 91-93

Although Lynch-Bages is widely known among wine connoisseurs in the US, its second wine, Haut-Bages-Averous is often underrated and overlooked. Haut-Bages-Averous has always been a PJ's favorite. It is an impressive Pauillac with creamy berry, sweet cherry, smoke and rich mineral notes, a plush mid-palate, good acidity, lovely structure and length. Surely one of the hidden gems of Bordeaux, it offers far more than you might expect. PJ 93

“This feminine-styled wine is more similar to a St.-Julien than a Pauillac. A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, the deep ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Haut-Batailley offers up sweet aromas of black cherries, licorice, currants, and a hint of underbrush along with a silky texture. Xavier Borie has been upgrading the quality at this estate over the last several years.” —WA 89-91

Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet is definitely a go-to wine in 2006. First, because it is the second wine of Château Pontet-Canet, which has been making remarkable wines over the past six vintages. Secondly, because it represents one of the best values in Pauillac. Moreover, it receives the same attention and dedication as the first wine for at one thrird the price of the first wine. The 2006 Hauts de Pontet-Canet is a delightful fruity wine with lovely aromatics. Rich and balanced with a great acidity, the finish lingers with complex fruity, floral and integrated oak notes. A must taste! PJ 92

“(a blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot and 2% cabernet franc) Bright ruby-red. Compellingly pure, scented aromas of blackcurrant, violet, graphite, dark chocolate and licorice. Rich, broad and classically dry, with slightly inky but very savory, perfumed flavors of black fruits and minerals. Classic, cooler-styled claret that saturates the palate with flavor while coming across as virtually weightless. At once sinewy and elegant. Finishes with superb grip and surprising, subtle persistence. This may not have the flesh of a great collectible vintage, but it will be hard to beat this wine for sheer finesse in 2006.” —IWC 92-95

“Very long. Wonderful licorice, berry and currant character. Full and silky, beautiful and pure. This is really distinguished. Feminine but strong. Classic Bordeaux style.” —WS 95-100

“Shows very good concentration of currant and berry fruit. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, fruity finish. Solid core of everything.” —WS 92-94, PJ 95

“This extraordinary Mouton should turn out to be the finest they have made since the monumental 1982 and 1986. In early tastings, Mouton often seems to tag along behind the other first-growths. Yet in 2006, there is no question that the Baronne Philippine de Rothschild gave carte blanche authority to her talented administrator, Philippe Dalhuin, to turn up the heat in 2006. Yields were a tiny 32 hectoliters per hectare, the harvest took place between September 20 and October 15, and a minuscule 44% of the crop made it into the grand vin (the lowest percentage in more than half a century). The final blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot is unusually high in Cabernet Sauvignon, but it possesses Mouton’s hallmarks of pure creme de cassis and flowers in addition to a toasty oak character. Profoundly concentrated, super-textured, and rich, Mouton’s powerful, full-bodied 2006 is unquestionably a strong candidate for the ‘wine of the vintage.’ Kudos to Mouton’s winemaking team for fashioning this brilliant wine.” —WA 96-100

“A strong effort from this well-run estate, Pichon Baron’s 2006 exhibits an inky/purple color as well as a sweet, pure nose of black currants, cedar, and smoky new oak. Full-bodied with ripe tannin, impressive concentration, and a layered mouthfeel, this is another noteworthy offering from an estate that has been remarkably successful over the last 15+ years.” —WA 92-94

“This gorgeous wine represents an updated version of the 1996. It boasts a dense purple color as well as a beautiful nose of espresso roast, chocolate, creme de cassis, cedar, and spice. Full-bodied and powerful with high tannin, an attractive mouthfeel, and a multilayered texture, it will be a backward-styled Pichon Lalande, but it is significantly better than the 2005, recalling some of the finest vintages produced over the last 20-35 years.” —WA 94-96

“One can’t say enough about the extraordinary quality proprietor Alfred Tesseron has achieved at Pontet-Canet over the last decade. The 2006 is another massive wine that may be as backward and concentrated as its nearby neighbor, Mouton Rothschild. Boasting a dense purple/black color in addition to aromas of creme de cassis, incense, burning embers/charcoal, and pain grille, it is monstrous in the mouth with huge flavor concentration, extremely high tannins, and significant extract. Tesseron’s goal appears to be a 50+ year wine.” —WA 93-95, PJ 95+

Clos Marsalette is a fairly recent addition to Count Stephan Von Neipperg’s exceptional portfolio. Von Neipperg, a Right Bank innovator and visionary over the last 20 years, decided to buy this property in the Pessac-Léognan appellation a few years ago. He once again sourced superb terroir that produces elegant, earthy, fruit driven and balanced wine. The 2006 Clos Marsalette is a classic from Pessac-Léognan. It boasts aromas of raspberry, cassis and violet with hints of smoke and earth. The palate is quite soft and ripe for the vintage. It offers delicate flavors of ripe cherry, dark berries and bitter chocolate combined with touches of smoky-earth and tobacco leaf, typical of the appellation. Crisp acidity balances a fruity finish that reveals integrated, slightly firm tannins, which indicate good ageing potential. Earthy and classic, definitely a wine to keep your eye on! PJ 91+

“This is historically one of the most ethereal and elegant wines of Bordeaux, and under the new proprietor, American banker, Robert Wilmers, backed up by Veronique Sanders, the granddaughter of the former proprietor, Daniel Sanders, Haut-Bailly is making its finest wines in nearly three decades. The 2006 boasts a dark ruby color along with a stunning bouquet of charcoal embers intermixed with sweet black cherry and black currant fruit, beautifully integrated, subtle oak, medium body, and a gorgeous texture. Despite impressive fruit intensity and impeccable length, it remains light on its feet. This classic Graves tastes like the Cheval Blanc of Pessac-Leognan.” —WA 91-94, PJ 93

“(57% merlot, 41% cabernet sauvignon and 2% cabernet franc) Deep ruby-red. Blue fruits, licorice and minerals on the nose. Large-scaled, silky and rich, but with its volume leavened by a racy minerality. This huge, tactile wine saturates the entire palate while remaining magically fresh and light on its feet. Wonderfully dense and tight in grain. Finishes very long and full, with substantial ripe tannins. Not at all a sweet style, but there is nothing to suggest that this is from a tricky harvest” —IWC 92-95

“Proprietor Alexandre Bonnie has been raising the quality level of this estate to higher and higher levels. Although the 2006 will not rival the 2005, it is a classic, elegant Graves offering aromas of spice box, subtle smoke, earth, currants, cherries, and background oak. The wine possesses silky tannins, medium body, excellent to outstanding fruit concentration, fine purity, and well-integrated acidity, tannin, and wood.” — WA 89-91, PJ 92+

“The brilliant succession of red and white wines that has emerged from Smith-Haut-Lafitte since the early 1990s is attributable to the passion and hard work of perfectionist proprietors Florence and Daniel Cathiard. The beautiful 2006 exhibits aromas and flavors of earth, graphite, sweet cassis, cherries, smoke, and spice. Medium-bodied with admirable concentration, soft tannin, and impressive purity, texture, and length, this powerful wine is built on an elegant framework” —WA 91-93

“Another spectacular offering from young perfectionist Jean-Philippe Janouiex, this 2006 Pomerol (an appellation that appears to have hit the highest peaks of quality across the board) is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc cropped at a modest 29 hectoliters per hectare. Similar to the 2005, the natural alcohol achieved 13.6%. A stunningly dense plum/purple color offers up notes of scorched earth, blackberries, plums, sweet cherries, truffles, and chocolate. Full-bodied with considerable finesse, supple tannins, and a grilled meat-like character, this fleshy, full, opulent wine’s huge fruit and glycerin admirably cover its substantial tannins. This blockbuster Pomerol can be consumed between 2010-2025.” —WA 94-96

“This is very long and intense. Really impressive. Full and very sweet, yet racy and fresh, with spicy botrytis character. Fantastic.” —WS 95-100

“While the 2006 does not measure up to the magnificent 2005, it is an outstanding effort offering aromas of sweet black cherries intermixed with pain grille, licorice, and smoke. Ripe, with excellent texture, medium to full body, and surprisingly silky tannin, it can be enjoyed over the next 12-14 years.” —WA 90-92, PJ 93

“Stephan von Neipperg’s flagship estate (and, in my opinion, one that should have been upgraded to a premier grand cru classe in the new St.-Emilion hierarchy) has turned in another stunning performance. A blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, from small yields of 35 hectoliters per hectare, the 2006 exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as scents of creme de cassis, pain grille, espresso roast, chocolate, and spicy roasted herbs. Dense, medium to full-bodied, and surprisingly opulent for a 2006, with oodles of fruit, and terrific structure as well as purity, it is a more noble expression of Neipperg’s other St.-Emilion, Clos de l’Oratoire.” —WA 91-94

“Only 60% of the harvest was utilized in this marvelous blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc. As always, the 2006 Cheval Blanc is made in a lighter, more elegant style based on finesse, purity, and beautiful nuances. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by scents of crushed rocks, menthol, raspberries, cherries, and assorted blue as well as black fruits. An impeccable integration of new oak, medium body, terrific palate penetration and purity, and light tannins suggest it will be drinkable in 2-3 years, but it should put on considerable weight because of its large Cabernet Franc component. While the 2006 may not eclipse the 2005, 2000, or 1998, it is not far off in terms of quality and longevity.” —WA 92-95

The 2006 is a gorgeous and plush Le Petit Cheval. The nose is soft and harmonious with spiced cherry and strawberry notes. The palate shows ripe, juicy and loamy cherry and strawberry flavors with deftly integrated, soft oak tones and mineral accents. Plush, lively and long. Simply delicious. PJ 92+

“This property has been resurrected beautifully by perfectionist wine guru, Stephan von Neipperg, and his increasingly popular and respected winemaking consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt. A big-time sleeper of the vintage, the 2006 Clos de l’Oratoire reveals notes of smoked meats, blueberries, raspberries, cedar, and spicy oak. Opulent, fleshy, rich, and atypically fruity and forward for the vintage, this medium to full-bodied, gorgeously proportioned St.-Emilion is ideal for drinking during its first 12-15 years of life.” —WA 90-93

“Clos Fourtet has produced a succession of brilliant wines since 2003. While the 2006 may not equal the prodigious 2005, it possesses a dark ruby/purple hue as well as sweet notes of creme de cassis, spring flowers, new oak, and a steely/mineral-like nuance in the background. Attractive, plump, opulent fruit on the palate is followed by a slight narrowing, but the finish is strong, with moderate tannin. Consume this beauty between 2008-2016.” —WA 90-93

“Under the leadership of the extraordinarily talented team of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt, this 25-acre estate on the Cote Pavie (one of St.-Emilion’s finest terroirs) has soared in quality. The monumental 2005 Larcis Ducasse has been followed by another brilliant effort in 2006. Unfortunately, production is less than 3,000 cases. The final blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc (from yields of 27-34 hectoliters per hectare) has resulted in a soft, opulent wine revealing notes of cedar, roasted herbs, smoke, black cherry liqueur, plums, and cassis. This savory, fleshy, attractive St.-Emilion possesses good power and depth, but no hardness. It should drink beautifully for 15 or more years.” —WA 91-94

“This once unheralded terroir continues to go from strength to strength under the guidance of proprietors Chantal and Gerard Perse. A new drainage system throughout the vineyard has been installed, and no doubt has increased the quality of this cuvee. Monbousquet’s upbringing includes such Burgundy practices as malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees, and little or no manipulation. A blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 is an elegant, pure, precise effort displaying hints of blueberries, raspberries, cherries, pain grille, espresso, and smoke. Sweet tannin, deep, medium to full-bodied flavors, and superb purity are found in this over-achieving St.-Emilion. It should drink well for 15 or more years.” —WA 91-93

“As of this vintage, Pavie Macquin is entitled to a premier grand cru classe designation in the revised classification of the wines of St.-Emilion (suspended in March because of pending litigation). Overseen by the dynamic duo of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt, the 2006, a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, should turn out to be one of the top wines of the vintage. It boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of charcoal, blackberries, blueberries, licorice, and smoke. Full-bodied, powerful, and rich, it is nearly as prodigious as the virtually perfect 2005. An amazing wine for the vintage, it clearly emerges from a magnificent terroir.” —WA 92-95, PJ 94+

“A lovely wine with a solid core of fruit, silky tannins and chocolate, berry and light spice character. Long and balanced. Reminds me of the 1995.” —WS 92-94

“Jean-Guillaume Prats told me that yields were a modest 38 hectoliters per hectare, and only 55% of the production made it into the 2006 Cos. The harvest took place between September 21 and October 6, and the final blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), followed by 20% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 recalls such vintages as 1988 and 1996. It offers a classic bouquet of incense, licorice, pain grille, black currants, truffles, and flowers. Medium-bodied and concentrated with moderately high tannin, it will require 8-10 years of cellaring, and should keep for 30 or more. It is another terrific effort from an estate that has done everything right over the last decade.” —WA 92-94

“The deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 possesses classic aromas of creamy blackberries, cassis, flowers, and crushed rocks. It is medium-bodied with a multilayered texture, sweeter, more finely tuned tannin than past vintages, and a powerful finish. There has been no compromise to the wine’s massive richness and density, but rather an emphasis on taming some of the huge tannins Montrose produces. It is an outstanding, fresh, lively effort that appears to be a brilliant achievement for the vintage. The tannin level ranks alongside such great Montrose vintages as 2005, 1990, and 1989, but they are noticeably sweeter.” —WA 92-95

“Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux continues to ratchet up the quality level at this impeccably run St.-Julien estate. The 2006 is similar to the 1996 Branaire, but with sweeter fruit. A deep ruby/purple hue precedes a perfumed nose of sweet boysenberries, black cherries, minerals, spring flowers, and a hint of pain grille in the background. Fresh, savory, medium to full-bodied flavors coat the palate with beautiful purity, no hard edges, ripe tannin, and intense fruit. This elegant, layered, impressive offering will be at its peak between 2012-2025.” —WA 92-94

“Wonderful aromas of blackberries, minerals and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with a lovely core of cool fruit. Racy and caressing tannins. Excellent. 13.2 percent Cabernet Franc--more than normal. Better structured than normal, too.” —WS 92-94

“Similar in style to the 1996, proprietor Bruno Borie continues to curtail yields, now producing just under 10,000 cases of the grand vin, and the rest of the production going into the increasingly high quality second wine, La Croix de Ducru Beaucaillou. The backward, tannic, dense purple-colored 2006 Ducru Beaucaillou offers sweet mineral-infused black cherry and cassis fruit interwoven with notions of graphite and truffles. Powerful, pure, rich, and intense, it should be at its peak between 2017-2035.” —WA 94-96

“Gloria has been producing terrific wines over recent vintages. The 2006 is a slightly more structured effort than the fleshy 2005, but it offers a deep ruby/purple color as well as loads of black cherry and currant fruit interwoven with notes of cedar, herbs, and spice. A major sleeper of the vintage, it is dense, rich, and surprisingly opulent with admirable fruit purity and an enticing texture. It should drink well young, yet evolve for 15+ years.” —WA 89-91

“Velvety and fruity. Lots of mineral and berry character. I would like to see a little more fruit in the center palate, but it's clean and racy. And it should grow in the barrel. Better than the 2005. Close to 92-94” —WS 89-91, PJ 94

“A strong effort for this estate, the 2006 Lagrange competes with the finest wines of the appellation. One of my pet peeves with this wine is that the oak is often excessive, but in this vintage, it is beautifully integrated, allowing the sweet cassis, licorice, herb, and spice box notes to dominate. Ripe and medium to full-bodied with moderately sweet tannin, abundant fruit, and a long finish, it is similar to the 1996 Lagrange, with perhaps more fruit.” —WA 91-94

“This classically made, dense purple-hued wine exhibits enormous potential, but currently it is forebodingly backward, dense, and broad. Once again, proprietor Anthony Barton delivers a wine with superb concentration, a classic style, and the possibility of three decades or more of ageability. Like most of the finest Leoville Bartons, considerable patience will be required. The 2006 will need 8-10 years of cellaring, and may even rival the 2005.” —WA 92-94

“Beautiful, vibrant, black raspberry and cassis fruit, fresh acidity, medium to full body, superb ripeness, melted tannins, and a long, savory, expansive mouthfeel are found in this top-notch St.-Julien. Friendlier than the more backward, tannic 2005 Leoville-Poyferre, the 2006 should be at its finest between 2011-2028.” —WA 91-93, PJ 94+

“A terrific success for this small, somewhat under the radar St.-Julien, St.-Pierre’s 2006 exhibits an inky/blue/purple color in addition to a beautiful bouquet of sweet black cherries, black currants, graphite, toasty oak, and earth. Made in a surprisingly fat, opulent style, it possesses abundant fruit and glycerin as well as a heady, long finish. This stunning wine should firm up in bottle, and drink well for two decades or more.” —WA 92-94

St. Julien offers some of the most pleasing and elegant expressions of Left Bank terroir, and Second Growth Gruaud Larose is classic St. Julien. Wines from Gruaud-Larose combine supple texture with ripe fruit character, excellent balance, good structure and great aging potential through an elegant, understated style. Sarget de Gruaud-Larose, their second wine, is a perennial PJ’s favorite and always a refined and easy-going value. Made from younger vines than the Grand Vin, the 2006 Sarget reveals a very fragrant nose of ripe berries, tobacco and minerals, a balanced mid-palate, lively acidity and a seamless finish. This seductive wine enchants through its harmonious, earthy, smooth and fruity texture. Although not as complex or ageworthy as the first wine, the Sarget shows plenty of intensity and finesse. Bravo—once again! PJ 90+