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Wine Spectator Scores 2007

Reviewing Unfinished Wines. . .

New score ranges provide more flexibility and accuracy. . .

Wine Spectator primarily reviews finished wines—that is, wines that are bottled and ready for sale—in blind tastings in our offices around the world. These wines are scored on our 100-point scale.

However, in some cases, their editors evaluate wines before they are finished and bottled. For example, James Suckling has just reviewed the 2007 Bordeaux, which are still aging in barrel. In this case, we believe a broader score range is a more reliable indicator of the wine's future potential.

In order to give the tasters more flexibility and describe the wines more accurately, they have changed the score ranges they use for unfinished wines to rolling four-point spreads. For example, one wine may be scored 85-88, another 87-90, another 89-92. They believe this will better reflect the subtle differences between wines.

If you would like to view individual appellations please select one of the headings below.

Red Bordeaux › Sauternes & Barsac › White Bordeaux

2007 Top-Scoring Red Bordeaux

CHÂTEAU AUSONE St.-Emilion 2007 Score: 90-93
Complex aromas of rose, mineral, blackberry and licorice follow through to a full body, with fine, racy tannins and a medium-long finish. Racy and stylish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR Pomerol 2007 Score: 90-93
This is serious. It starts off slowly and builds on your palate. Medium-to-full body and subtle flavors of chocolate, berry and light vanilla. Long and persistent for the year. Wonderful. Wine of the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2007 Score: 90-93
Wonderful perfumes of flowers, currant, blackberry and violet. Full-bodied, with very fine tannins and a caressing texture. Long and balanced. Very, very pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LE PIN Pomerol 2007 Score: 90-93
Very typical Le Pin, with floral, cassis and light plum character. Full, yet refined, with lovely silky tannins and a long, long sweet fruit finish. Very pretty. Not many 2007s like this. The winemaker says that this has a deluxe caress and it does. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU CERTAN DE MAY Pomerol 2007 Score: 89-92
This is very nicely done for the vintage, with plenty of floral, mineral and fresh dark fruit character. Medium-to-full body, fine tannins and a clean, focused finish. Very impressive for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU CHEVAL-BLANC St.-Emilion 2007 Score: 89-92
Has gorgeous aromas already, with plum, sweet tobacco, violet and a little coffee. Medium-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long finish. This is 30 percent of the harvest. 60 percent Cabernet Franc and 40 percent Merlot. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU St.-Julien 2007 Score: 89-92
A solid wine, with plenty of rose petal, berry and currant character. Full and chewy. Ripe and very powerful. Wait and see, but impressive for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU L'ÉGLISE CLINET Pomerol 2007 Score: 89-92
Berry and chocolate character follows through to a medium body, with delicate tannins and a medium finish. Real wine for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2007 Score: 89-92
Fabulous nose of crushed berry, dark chocolate, violet and licorice. Medium-to-full body, very silky tannins and a mineral, berry and silky finish. Slightly austere, but very pretty and racy. 43 percent Merlot, 44 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 13 percent —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2007 Score: 89-92
Very new Lafite, with firm, yet polished tannins and subdued currant and sweet tobacco character. Long and structured. Racy. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LATOUR Pauillac 2007 Score: 89-92
Very pretty and refined, with wonderful, silky tannin texture and ripeness. Full and harmonious, with lots of fruit at the end. A reserved and subtle wine. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES St.-Julien 2007 Score: 89-92
This is layered, with sweet tobacco, currants, berries and dried flowers. Full and silky, with a long finish. Beautiful already. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU MARGAUX Margaux 2007 Score: 89-92
Aromas of blackberry, black licorice and currant follow through to a medium-to-full body, with fine tannins and a long, sweet fruit finish. Balanced and perfumed. Very Burgundian and pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PAVIE St.-Emilion 2007 Score: 89-92
Very perfumed, with a mineral and floral character, as well as dark fruit. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. Solid and well-structured for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PÉTRUS Pomerol 2007 Score: 89-92
Wonderful aromas of violet, rose and blackberry. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium-to-long finish. Pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU ANGÉLUS St.-Emilion 2007 Score: 88-91
Berry, mineral and licorice aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a medium finish. Very well done for the vintage. —J.S.

DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER Pessac-Léognan 2007 Score: 88-91
Good concentration of blackberry and raspberry fruit. Medium-to-full body, velvety tannins and a medium finish. Very close to the 2006 in quality. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON Pauillac 2007 Score: 88-91
Currants and licorice, with a floral character on the nose and palate. Medium-to-full body, good fruit and fine tannins. Balanced and pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE Pomerol 2007 Score: 88-91
Aromas of coffee, chocolate, violet and berry follow through to a solid core of ripe fruit for the vintage, with fine tannins and a long, flavorful finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU COS-D'ESTOURNEL St.-Estéphe 2007 Score: 88-91
Shows lovely perfume of dried flowers and berry, with a hint of currant. Full and long, with pretty tannins and a long finish. Balanced and pretty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DASSAULT St.-Emilion 2007 Score: 88-91
Crushed blackberry and blueberry aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a long finish. Balanced, with a good core of fruit for the vintage. Well done. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU L'EVANGILE Pomerol 2007 Score: 88-91
Gorgeous aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate and vanilla follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a medium finish. A slight dip in the middle palate. Pretty, with sweet fruit and a medium finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR-PÉTRUS Pomerol 2007 Score: 88-91
Very pretty berry, dark chocolate and plum on the nose. Medium-to-full body, ripe tannins, good fruit and a medium finish. Nicely crafted young 2007. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU FRANC-MAILLET Pomerol Cuvée Jean Baptiste 2007 Score: 88-91
Really good for the vintage, with chocolate, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors. Full body, ripe tannins and a medium long finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU GAZIN Pomerol 2007 Score: 88-91
Extremely pretty for the vintage, with chocolate, berry and light coffee aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a delicate finish. Very well done. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU GRAND-PUY-LACOSTE Pauillac 2007 Score: 88-91
Plenty of subtle cassis and floral aromas follow through to a medium-to-full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Pretty wine. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE St.-Julien 2007 Score: 88-91
Soft and round, with lovely texture. Medium- to full-bodied, with berry, currant and chocolate flavors and a long, caressing finish. Delicious already. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU HOSANNA Pomerol 2007 Score: 88-91
Aromas of minerals and flowers follow through to a medium-to-full body, with fine tannins and a medium-long finish. Shows good ripeness and concentration for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON St.-Julien 2007 Score: 88-91
Lovely ripe fruit, with blackberry and cherry character and chocolate undertones. Long finish. Soft texture. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE BARTON St.-Julien 2007 Score: 88-91
Lovely core of blackberry and currant, with smoky oak and chocolate. Full and velvety. Delicious already. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LA MISSION-HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2007 Score: 88-91
Violet and berry, with lovely, flowery undertones. Medium-to-full body, fine tannins, a good core of ripe fruit and a medium finish. 43 percent Merlot, 48 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 9 percent Cabernet Franc. Normally there is close to 70 percent Merlo —J.S.

LA MONDOTTE St.-Emilion 2007 Score: 88-91
This shows lovely balance and finesse, with a solid core of ripe fruit, berry and light chocolate. Medium-to-full body, good texture and a fine finish. Excellent length. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PALMER Margaux 2007 Score: 88-91
Very pretty, with blackberry, light vanilla and a coffee bean character. Medium-to-full body, with ultrafine tannins and a long, clean finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT Pessac-Léognan 2007 Score: 88-91
Lots of blackberry, truffle, grilled meat and mineral character. Medium-to-full body, firm tannins and a caressing finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PAVIE-MACQUIN St.-Emilion 2007 Score: 88-91
This has good concentration for the vintage, with lots of mineral, berry, currant and flowers. I like this a lot. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE-BARON Pauillac 2007 Score: 88-91
Impressive concentration for the vintage, with plenty of currant and berry on the nose and palate. Medium-to-full body, fine tannins and a medium finish. Well done for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE-LALANDE Pauillac 2007 Score: 88-91
This is very firm and racy, with good fruit concentration. Medium-to-full body, chewy tannins and a medium finish. Very good density for the vintage. Wait and see. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET Pauillac 2007 Score: 88-91
Crushed blackberry, currant and light licorice. Full-bodied, with lovely ripe tannins and a long, fruity finish. Balanced and refined. A beauty. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PROVIDENCE Pomerol 2007 Score: 88-91
Impressive ripeness on the nose, with plenty of plum and blackberry. Medium body, fine tannins and a medium finish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU RAUZAN-SÉGLA Margaux 2007 Score: 88-91
Very pretty fruit for the vintage, with blackberry, currant and lightly smoky oak. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a fruity finish. Refined and delicious. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU SMITH-HAUT-LAFITTE Pessac-Léognan 2007 Score: 88-91
Fresh mushroom, berry and currant on the nose and palate. Medium body, good tannins and plenty of fruit for the vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU TROPLONG-MONDOT St.-Emilion 2007 Score: 88-91
Attractive for the vintage, with berry, mineral and mint aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a delicate finish. Very well done. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU TROTANOY Pomerol 2007 Score: 88-91
A wine with a pretty balance of chocolate, berry and mineral character, with fine tannins and a medium finish. —J.S.

VIEUX-CHÂTEAU-CERTAN Pomerol 2007 Score: 88-91
A sweet and fruity wine, with chocolate, berry and plum character. Medium body, fine tannins and a long finish. Tender wine. 72 percent Merlot, 28 percent Cabernet Franc. —J.S.

2007 Top-Scoring Sauternes & Barsac
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CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM Sauternes 2007 Score: 97-100
This is amazing. Full of spicy botrytis character, with smoke and piecrust underneath. Full and rich, yet not cloying or too dense. It's lively and long, finishing with intensity and powerl. A unnerving combination of wild ripe fruit and intense botrytis, with lively acidity. Really powerful. Should be a perfect wine. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU RIEUSSEC Sauternes 2007 Score: 93-96
Balanced and very spicy, with almond paste and apricot. Full-bodied, medium sweet, with a long, fruity, tangy finish. Layered and stylish. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU SIGALAS-RABAUD Sauternes 2007 Score: 93-96
Fabulous aromas of dried apricot, botrytis spice and almonds. Full-bodied, with great intensity and a sweet palate. Long and layered, with loads of everything. Very, very impressive. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DOISY-DAËNE Sauternes L'Extravagant 2007 Score: 92-95
Refined and balanced, with citrus fruit, pineapple and just a hint of vanilla. Full-bodied, medium sweet, with a finish that's tangy, spicy and long. Pretty and harmonious. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DE FARGUES Sauternes 2007 Score: 92-95
Wow. This is really beautiful, with loads of ripe, spicy and sweet fruit, bright acidity and a long, spicy finish. Impressive richness. Very, very long. Very classy. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DE MYRAT Sauternes 2007 Score: 92-95
Dried apple, pear and honey on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, medium sweet, with a citrus fruit, apricot and spice character. Long and flavorful. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DE RAYNE-VIGNEAU Sauternes 2007 Score: 92-95
Lively aromas and flavors of green apples, limes, papaya and honey. Full-bodied, yet balanced and medium sweet. Spicy and rich. Very long. Rayne-VIgneau is making better wine each vintage. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT Sauternes 2007 Score: 92-95
Solid baby sticky, with a core of apple pie, honey and spicy fruit on the palate. Medium- to full-bodied, with medium sweetness and a lively finish. —J.S.

CLOS HAUT-PEYRAGUEY Sauternes 2007 Score: 91-94
Impressive finish on this wine, which shows a spicy, sweet-and-sour, tropical fruit character on both nose and palate. Full-bodied, thick and racy. Lots going on. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU COUTET Barsac 2007 Score: 91-94
Thick and concentrated, with loads of tropical fruit, such as mango and papaya. Full, lively and spicy, with plenty of botrytis and a long finish. Wonderful potential. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD Sauternes 2007 Score: 91-94
Thick and oily, with spicy character and lots of very ripe pineapple and pear flavors. Full-bodied, medium sweet, with a long finish. Layered and concentrated. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LAFAURIE-PEYRAGUEY Sauternes 2007 Score: 91-94
Thick and rich, with lots of dried pineapple and honey character. Full-bodied, medium sweet, with some spice and a long finish. Powerful. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DOISY-DAËNE Barsac 2007 Score: 90-93
Intensely spicy, with lots of dried apricot, apple and pear character on the nose and palate. Full and rich, yet racy and lively. Shows balance and wonderful potential. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU NAIRAC Barsac 2007 Score: 90-93
Yikes. This is very thick and powerful, with masses of ripe, spicy, botrytised fruit. Full and rich, yet fresh and interesting. Looking forward to watching this wine's evolution. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LA TOUR BLANCHE Sauternes 2007 Score: 90-93
Loads of ripe fruit in this one, with pineapple, mango and honey undertones. Full-bodied, thick and layered. Medium sweet. Spicy, fruity aftertaste. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU DOISY-VÉDRINES Barsac 2007 Score: 89-92
Lots of lemon cream and blanched almonds follow through to a medium-to-full body, with plenty of spicy, dried apricot character on the finish. —J.S.

2007 White Bordeaux
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CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan White 2007 Score: 97-100
Complex aromas of lilacs, honey, pineapple, papaya and cream follow through to a full body, with incredible intensity on the palate. Lasts for minutes. Bright and crisp acidity, but an intense tropical fruit character as well. More structured than most reds in 2007. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU LAVILLE HAUT BRION Pessac-Léognan White 2007 Score: 92-95
Very minerally, with lemon curd, cream and fresh pineapple aromas. Full, yet racy and very, very long. Bright acidity and structure. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT Pessac-Léognan White 2007 Score: 92-95
This is creamy and very, very long, with papaya, green apple, cream and tropical fruit. Full body. Exotic flavors. Impressive. Complex. —J.S.

DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER Pessac-Léognan White 2007 Score: 91-94
Fresh and bright, with mineral, lemon and apple aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with a lemony palate, fresh acidity and a long, subtle finish. —J.S.

PAVILLON BLANC DU CHÂTEAU MARGAUX Margaux 2007 Score: 91-94
This is superracy and stylish, with mineral, lemon, lime, pineapple and papaya. Full, yet balanced and fresh, crisp and long. Wonderful. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU BOUSCAUT Pessac-Léognan White 2007 Score: 90-93
I love the tropical combined with citrus fruit on the nose and palate, with some mineral undertones. Full-bodied and rich, yet fresh and lively. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGEY Pessac-Léognan White 2007 Score: 90-93
Lots of lime and tropical fruit character on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, lively and flavorful. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET St.-Emilion White 2007 Score: 90-93
Shows lots of pineapple, mineral and lemon character. Fresh and lively, with plenty of flavor and crispness. This is complex. 75 percent Sauvignon Blanc, 25 percent Sauvignon Gris. —J.S.

CHÂTEAU SMITH-HAUT-LAFITTE Pessac-Léognan White 2007 Score: 90-93
Aromas of bananas, apples and lemons follow through to a full body, with exotic fruit and a crisp finish. Layered and stylish. —J.S.

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