2011 Chateau Magdelaine Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

The Magdelaine 2011 has a fragrant bouquet with raspberry, fresh strawberry and just a touch of blueberry fruit. It is not powerful, but once against takes advantage of the finesse of the vintage, unfurling teasingly in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and great purity, sleek in texture on the entry, building gradually in the mouth rather than offering everything up front. This is a seductive Magdelaine, very composed and refined and perhaps deceivingly structure on the filigree finish. Tasted April 2012.

Pretty and balanced with delicious ripe fruit and fine tannins. Fresh acidity too. A nice density for the vintage.

Shows a darker profile, with boysenberry and linzer torte fruit, but stays supple, creamy and charming through the finish, with a floral lift at the end. Tasted non-blind.—J.M.

Deep ruby-red. Lovely freshness and purity to the strawberry and white pepper aromas. Then nicely dense, suave and smooth on the palate, with excellent depth to its red fruit and spice flavors. The complex finish displays a peppery persistence. A highly successful Magdelaine for the vintage.

Fresh black cherry, licorice, kirsch and chalk-like notes are present in this medium-bodied, dark ruby-colored, classic effort. This mid-weight, lively 2011 is best drunk over the next 10-15 years.

Classic jammy cherry notes as well as a distinctive crushed rock and chalky minerality are found in this dark ruby-colored 2011. Medium-bodied, compact and narrowly constructed as well as pure, elegant and attractive, it can be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years.

Vineyard encépagement: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Deep cherry crimson and ripe cherry fruit on the nose. A little more leafy on the palate. Fine, dry tannins, leafy finish. Lingers. Finishes dry. (JH)