“An outstanding success” - Neal Martin
Cheap, delicious and drinking fabulously now
I guess we started our love affair with Chateau Bernadotte with the 2002 vintage. The wine was both superb and incredible value. Meanwhile tastings at and after en primeur weeks in Bordeaux convinced us the property was going from strength to strength. This is undoubtedly due to its purchase in 1997 by May-Eliane de Lencquesaing to be a sister estate to Pichon Lalande. She caused heavy investment to be made, first in the vineyard with a full soil survey and immediately new plantings and restoration of older sites. This was followed by the building of a new cuverie and cellars.
So by 2004 the results of all this investment are plain to see; and to taste. Here we have a claret that is not only better than the 02 - but cheaper too. So added value. Eight years from its harvest the 04 Bernadotte has shed its youthful austerity and blossomed into a complex and classic Bordeaux with gradually resolving tannins, lovely texture and toothsome fruit. If you're in the area, stop by and have a taste: see if Neal Martin was right all those years ago. /CW
'I think this is an outstanding success this year. A very ripe plummy nose with a slight raisin note. Very rich and opulent with the Merlot dominating the aromatics. A very ripe palate with firm tannins and a good grip. Ripe blackberry and cedar. A very bold wine - probably the best Bernadotte that I have tasted. Excellent. Tasted April 2005. 90-91 points.' - Neal Martin, erobertparker.com
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