Tasted at the chateau with Dany Rolland as part of a vertical. This has a very flamboyant, ebullient, joyful nose that just soars from the glass: black cherries, plum, a touch of honey, almost Tropical fruits. The 2001 flirts with exoticism. It displays great definition and much more generous than the millennial Bon Pasteur. The palate is very well balanced with svelte tannins, wonderful acidity, superb focus and tension. More similar to the 1998 than the 2000, purring towards the seductive, nuanced plumy finish. Wonderful. There is a linearity that I think will “bend” with a little more bottle age. Tasted September 2009.

Wine Advocate June, 2004

A terrific success from the well-known estate of Bordeaux’s famed oenologists Dany and Michel Rolland, the 2001 Bon Pasteur is a super effort for the vintage. Deep plum/purple to the rim, with a sumptuous nose of barbecue spices, smoke, black cherries, mocha, and spice box, this opulent, medium to full-bodied, rich red reveals amazing extract and intensity for a wine from this vintage. Its structure and size suggests 2-3 years of cellaring is warranted. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2017. Bravo!

Bright dark ruby. Superripe aromas of raspberry, kirsch and bitter chocolate. Dense and deep, with a strong mineral component and lovely vinosity. Vibrant and firmly built. The ripe tannins coat the entire palate. A very good showing.