2000 is a much heralded vintage from Bordeaux and I’ve had the opportunity of tasting the following wines recently. They were all impressive  but the vintage is shutting down a little. Previous tastings have shown these wines with more flesh and joy, but the wines were a little closed. There’s lots of structure and material here though.

Chateau Duhart Milon, Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2000

Mid red; lighter at edge; cedar and lead pencil on the nose; blackcurrant beneath; palate elegant, medium weight and well balanced; lacks the intensity and concentration of some of the 2000s but has that Lafite stable elegance. Excellent reputation as the best Duhart prior to the 2005, this wine to me seems polished and sophisticated but feels as if it lacks power under the bonnet. 88/100 Jan 2010

Chateau Haut-Bages Libéral, Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2000

Dark black red; blackcurrant and leaf on the nose; lifted; some pencil shavings – more intensity than Duhart and more fruit driven; full of blackcurrant fruit and ripe full tannins. Well made Pauillac. Enjoyable. 90/100 Jan 2010

Chateau Lagrange, Cru Classé, St Julien, 200o

Deep saturated black/red; intense nose; oak resin; concentrated palate, feels lean but intense and taut; previously this wine has been more flashy and complex; seems to have shut down; very structured and classic. Potentially great but needs 5+ years. 92-94/100 Jan 2010

Chateau Lafon-Rochet, Cru Classé, St  Estèphe, 2000

Mid red; legs; concentrated nose; ripe blackcurrants; molasses; some complexity. Should age well into a rich, sturdy St Estephe. Palate earthy, with blackcurrant fruit; quite full and round. Tannins evident but should round out. Chunky style with guts. Some mocha on the finish. 88+/100 Jan 2010

Chateau Potensac, Médoc, 2000

Deep red/black; bit dumb and closed; some blackcurrant; some minerals and graphite; cassis on the palate; no development yet but real ripeness here and polished wine. Concentrated and intense. Quite closed at present but should open up in 3+ years. Very good 88+/100 Jan 2010