Bordeaux Primeurs 2006: “Better than expected” for Robert Parker

Parker has just released its marks and comments on 2006 Bordeaux. His observations: 2006 is much better than he expected it to be. Especially in regards to white wines, which have “super concentration, beautiful mineral notes and a spicy freshness”, as sweet white wines are still too young to be assessed at their true value. However, he compares Yquem 2006 to its 2001 predecessor, a perfect vintage for the American wine critique! Robert Parker has found the best successes in the Médoc region, and specially on the great soils owned by the greatest “brands”. “Modern versions of 1986 and 1966”, writes Parker, with a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. There are also successes among lesser-known châteaux, but one must choose wisely. The Haut-Brion family dominates Graves and Pessac Léognan wines, as Mission Haut Brion is absolutely magnificent this year. The Pomerol and Lalande-de-Pomerol wines are excellent and very different from the Médoc successes. These wines, produced mostly from Merlots overflowing with aromas, are already very ripe, very round and very seductive. Their great neighbour Saint-Emilion is rather heterogeneous, but includes beautiful classics.

2007, May 7 - © The Wine Advocate

Other information :
• Saint-Émilion
• Lalande De Pomerol
• Pomerol
• Bordeaux
• Château La Mission Haut-Brion
• Château D'yquem