Tour des Gendres, Bergerac, Le Classique

This bottle has an herbal vegetal note not in the previous bottle. Chinon, yes, but not expected in bordeaux. Aromatic complexity not present. Not obviously flawed (synthetic cork, after all). Bottle variation? The structure is still there, but even with air time the fruit is muted. Warning: your mileage may vary. Must buy another bottle to see what's happening. Average to below average.

UK and Paris, including the CT Worldwide tasting event.; 8/16/2008-8/29/2009 (UK and Paris) : Vibrant colour. Nose has soft fruit but also an old world subtlety. Palate though was dry and tight. A little white pepper appeared later.

12.5%. Unfiltered, "non-collé" (unglued... unfined?). Synthetic (nomacorc) closure. Inky. Initially, tobacco, toasted oak, leather, that blows off quickly; some vanilla. With air, some raspberry/ lifted notes, and a very nice floral nose. Medium weight. Mouth-puckering acid and tannin but somehow not harsh. Medium long finish (15-20 seconds depending on temperature). Good to very good. Must try this in a good vintage.