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Tasting notes
A sleeper of the vintage, La Prade’s 2004, made from 40-year-old Merlot and Cabernet Franc (80% of the former and 20% of the latter), is soft, opulent, and fleshy. Sweet blackberry and cassis, licorice, smoke and underbrush characteristics along with good purity, excellent texture, and soft acidity as well as tannin suggest it should be consumed over the next 7-8 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Good medium ruby. Medicinal kirsch and menthol aromas. Sweet, primary and chunky; fat but a bit undifferentiated. Inky black fruits carry through in the mouth. Finishes with substantial tongue-dusting tannins and good length.
Deep purple crimson. Lots of gas on the nose. Broad, sweet, blackberry nose and then very tight. Extremely taut and difficult to judge at this point – pretty aggressive, if fine, tannins. Needs lots of time – but there does seem to be fruit here. (JR)
About the producer
Nicolas Thienpont purchased this estate in the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux in 2000. The seven hectares of vines average 40 years in age, divided between 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, sitting partly on the limestone plateau in the village Saint-Cibard.