Chateau Ste. Gemme Haut Medoc 2000

Loads of ripe plum and berry, with hints of mineral. Medium- to full-bodied, with lovely integrated tannins and a medium finish. Best after 2005.

Chacirc;teau Caronnes Ste Gemme is a rare bargain from the stellar 2000 vintage. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, itrsquo;s rich ruby color indicates sweetly blackberry and cassis aromas. Full with firm tannins, itrsquo;s loaded with black currant, cedar, and twiggy mint. For the price, itrsquo;s worth grabbing at least two bottles: one to drink now, and one to cellar for a few more years!

Château Caronnes Ste Gemme is a rare bargain from the stellar 2000 vintage. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, it's rich ruby color indicates sweetly blackberry and cassis aromas. Full with firm tannins, it's loaded with black currant, cedar, and twiggy mint. For the price, it's worth grabbing at least two bottles: one to drink now, and one to cellar for a few more years!

The aromas here are seriously woody, and that problem also appears on the palate. It has fruit, but the weight to balance is not there yet. This should develop over the next 4-5 years, but the wood is always going to be a major feature.

Space limitations did not allow complete tasting notes for this Cru Bourgeois, but 2005 is the finest vintage for these wines since 1982. The range of scores for these wines should give readers an idea of just how consistent this vintage is at this level. Given the style of the vintage, most of these wines should be accessible young yet evolve for a decade or more because of their concentration and tannic structure.

Offers raisin and dried fruit, with very ripe fruit aromas and coffee and oak undertones. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. This is pumped up, but I like the flamboyant character. Best after 2011.

(Barrel tasting) Lots of berry and chocolate character with hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Impressive. Almost hard to believe, it's so good. Almost 92-94.