Lighter colour, quite angular, then sweeter fruit and a lover flowing finish. The one aspect in which the Lafarge Clos du Château des Ducs has the extra is in the bouquet but this had a slimline density about it, a wiry concentration of red fruit, and the possibility to build from here. This is very close to meriting a fifth star.

Good medium red; a bit less saturated than the 2010. More spicy and exotic on the nose than the '10, with its raspberry and mineral aromas joined by a light herbal element. Enters the mouth with silky richness, then turns juicy in the mid-palate, showing a very suave texture and surprising framing acidity to its flavors of liqueur-like red fruits and dried flowers. Quite powerful and long, finishing with serious late-arriving tannins. This is built for a long evolution in bottle. Guillaume d'Angerville told me that this wine "started out huge, but then the élevage gave it focus." (ST) 93+

A pretty and distinctly ripe nose evidences perfumed notes of both red and dark berries, earth and a plethora of spice nuances. The rich, full-bodied and caressing flavors exhibit good minerality that continues onto the lingering if ever-so-slightly warm finish. This velvety effort could easily be enjoyed now though the firm tannic spine makes it clear that there is a moderate amount of upside development potential remaining. 2009 is not my favorite vintage for the Clos des Ducs but for those who like a more hedonistic style should enjoy this as it's certainly well-made.