1995 - An Excellent year throughout Bordeaux. Slightly softer and more lush than the 1996s with lower acidity and more forward fruit. A mild winter and early spring was followed by a dry, hot summer. It did rain in early September but the rain was less than in the previous 4 vintages and, crucially, there was perfect weather from September 20th through to October.

1996 - Arguably the finest vintage of the left bank in the 90s, these are starting to hit maturity but of course will

plateau well through the next decade or two Robert Parker rates the Medoc 1996 96/100 on his vintage scale where finely-tannined, rich and assertive wines were produced.

1998 - Arguably the finest vintage of the right bank in the 90s, these are starting to hit maturity but of course will plateau well through the next decade or two. Robert Parker rates the Pomerol and St Emilion 1998 both 96/100 on his vintage scale.

1999 - A mixed, generally lighter vintage rated 88/100 from Robert Parker. These are ideal for the medium term.

2000 - Extraordinarily hot weather with almost no rain over Bordeaux during August & September 2000 caused thick skins and massive concentration of the Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot grapes. This resulted in powerful, muscular red wines across all appellations that are slow to evolve. A huge 5-star vintage for red wines in all major appellations with historic high prices (then).

2001 - The ripening cycle was later than average, which became particularly critical for the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon planted in the Médoc and Graves, for the month of September was relatively cool. There was heavy rainfall around 22 September which only benefited sweet wine producers. 2001 is generally regarded as a Merlot-year reaching better ripeness than the more acidic Cabernet Sauvignon. These are classic long lived wines with a few diamonds in the rough that are extremely successful.

2003 - An extreme vintage and the hottest on record along with severe drought conditions. Those in the northern Medoc situated on deep clay made prodigious wines. Many are already mature and provide accessible drinking.

2002 - Though the winter and weather preceding ripening was gloomy, the vintage turned out highly successful in the Northern Medoc where Cabernet Sauvignon thrives. A classic, medium bodied, backward vintage rated somewhere between 1997 and 1998. The wines possess firm acids, textured tannins and their concentration will allow long term maturation, while the top will have the ability to mature well over the next 20 years. Good value in amongst the more reputed vintages.

2004 - a uniform, large and consistent vintage at the level of the classified and more famous estates. The wines possess excellent colour as well as loads of fruit, with considerable elegance and finesse and the finest wines are pure and aromatically expressive. Vibrancy, freshness, good acidity, and a relatively classic style have emerged and the wines appear to be age-worthy and gracious. Classic and good value!

2005, 2006 and 2007 - see here

2008 and 2009 En-Primeur - please enquire - roland@winecellar.co.za

Prices in Rand per bottle inclusive VAT and landing costs whilst stocks available

JR - Jancis Robinson, Parker, RP - Robert Parker Jr, WS - Wine Spectator