Press Comments

Andreas Larsson - Best Sommelier of the world

Lynsolence 2001 - Evolutive tasting

"Sweet and intense perfume of dark berries, some floral notes, spices and mocha emanates from the glass, the palate shows a big concentration and great balance, silky tannins and a very long finish, elegant and opulent at the same time, drinks very well, I suppose it can still gain in complexity." (Third tasting: 8th may 2009)

Website : www.andreaslarsson.org

The Saint-Emilion Wines Cup 2009

135 wines were entered into the 2009 edition of this competition organised by the Saint-Emilion wines council at Vinexpo on the 21st June. The object was to discern the wine that was most consistent in quality over the three vintages of 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Les Gravières was one of the finalists in Category Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. It then took second place just after Chateau Fombrauge (see the trophy...)

Haut-Renaissance was also a finalist, and therefore also second, in the category Saint-Emilion. (see the trophy...)

Guide Hachette 2010

Les Gravières: 2 stars and Editor's choice for the 2006

"A sumptuous Bordeaux red glinting with ruby. The rich nose is reminiscent of black currants and blackberries, with clove and tobacco. Broad and powerful, the mouth echoes the nose in a body which is supported by long lived tannins which will require a few years to integrate."

=> A further 13 mentions since 1995, Editor's Choice 7 times.

Haut-Renaissance: 1 star for the 2006

"Deeply coloured, the 2006 combines very fine wood with fresh suggestions of black fruits. Rich and well bodied, sustained by solid ripe tannins used with a delicate touch, it shows a long toasty and spicy finish. A great success in this vintage."

=> A further 13 mentions with stars since 1995, Editor's Choice 6 times.

La Cour d'Argent: mention for the 2006

"The attack consists of intense notes of blackcurrant and blackberry, complemented with nuances of spice and vanilla. The body has a richly dense structure continuing in the same vein as the nose, but lifted by menthol freshness. The wine is well structured by powerful tannins, which ask only to become integrated. To taste in three years' time."

=> A further 14 mentions (12 with stars) in the Guide Hachette since 1993, Editor's Choice 3 times.

Robert Parker - synthesis

"Denis Barraud is an up-and-coming star of St.-Emilion."

Lynsolence 2006: 90+ /100

"Dense, deep and full-bodied with moderate tannin."

Lynsolence 2005: 91-94 /100

"High glycerin levels as well as loads of structure and tannin, and nicely integrated acidity and wood in this powerful, big effort."

Lynsolence 2004: 90 /100

Lynsolence 2003: 92 /100

"Made from yields of 19 Hl/Ha, the 2003 is an exuberant, flamboyant, modern-styled St.-Emilion"

Lynsolence 2002: 87-89+ /100

Lynsolence 2001: 89 /100

Lynsolence 2000: 90 /100

Lynsolence 1999: 88 /100

Lynsolence 1998: 89 /100

Les Gravières 2008: 91-93 /100

Les Gravières 2007: 88-90 /100

Les Gravières 2006: 88 /100

"Well made, medium-bodied effort."

Les Gravières 2005: 91-93 /100

"a wine of huge intensity, purity, richness, balance, and texture."

Les Gravières 2003: 91 /100

"Complete in the mouth, with full body, nicely integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol, and a long, heady, reassuringly deep, persistent finish."

Les Gravières 2001: 90 /100

"Sleeper of the vintage".

Les Gravières 2000: 89 /100

"Sleeper of the vintage".

Les Gravières 1998: 88 /100

La Cour d'Argent 2008: 86-87

La Cour d'Argent 2006: 86

La Cour d'Argent 2005: 87-89

"Sleeper of the vintage".

La Cour d'Argent 2003: 85-87

La Cour d'Argent 2001: 85-86

La Cour d'Argent 2000: 87

"A top-notch value in low-prestige, generic Bordeaux. (...) The wine is excellent, with a dark ruby/purple color, notes of mocha, chocolate, black cherries, and cassis in a lush, expansive, ripe style."

RVF Guide 2010: The Best French Wines

"Lynsolence 2006, like the 2005 impressed with its constitution and fruit. (...) Les Gravières 2006 also demonstrates a style that is full-bodied and modern. Haut-Renaissance is rounder and more immediate, with attractive fruit."

Guide Gerbelle & Maurange 2010 - The best reasonably priced wines

Les Gravières 2007: "A lot of fruit in this concentrated and well cellared Saint-Emilion. It has body and length, with structured tannins present. Length and maturity of fruit. A fine bottle, which will cellar for some time. 15 /20" (category saint-émilion grand cru).

Haut-Renaissance 2007: "Endowed as ever with a modern concentrated approach, this wine is regularly praised in our guide. The mouth is full, agreeably wooded and the matter shows concentration and length. A good bottle amongst the category of reliable wines. 15.5 /20 (category saint-émilion)"

La Cour d'Argent 2007: "Good intensity in the mouth with body and a seductive aromatic palette. This is an attractive Bordeaux, made with care. 15 /20 (category bordeaux)"

Robert Parker : The Wine Advocate n°181 - Feb 2009

Lynsolence 2006 : 90+ /100

"Another St.-Emilion garagiste estate, this 6.2-acre vineyard, which abuts some of the Valandraud and Monbousquet parcels, has outstanding potential. The opaque purple-hued 2006 Lynsolence reveals a big, sweet kiss of kirsch liqueur, black fruits, licorice, smoke, and crushed rock-like aromas. Dense, deep, and full-bodied with moderate tannin and impressive equilibrium, proprietor Denis Barraud has consistently produced a wine that transcends his terroir. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022."

Les Gravières 2006: 88 /100

"This dense ruby/plum/purple-tinged 2006 offers up sweet aromas of charcoal, pain grille, black cherries, and underbrush. It is a well-made, medium-bodied effort that will benefit from 1-2 years of bottle age, and should evolve for a decade."

La Cour d'Argent 2006: 86 /100

"An inexpensive charmer from Bordeaux’s generic appellation, this wine offers tasty red currant fruit, wood spice, and earth characteristics in an undeniably Bordeaux style that is meant to be drunk during its first 2-3 years of life."

Andreas Larsson - Best Sommelier of the world

Lynsolence 2006 - "My top picks"

"Very inky and dark purple, the nose is quite forward, it shows ripe dark fruit, leather and roasted coffee beans, the oak is marked but well-balanced, the palate is full with a rich texture, the tannins are still on the young side but should integrate well, long finish with some spicy notes."

Website : www.andreaslarsson.org

Andreas Larsson - Best Sommelier of the world

Lynsolence 2001 - Evolutive tasting

"Deep ruby red with developed rims, the nose is forward and shows some nice mature aromas of truffle, wild berries and fine spices, the palate has a good structure, the fruit is well developed and sweet although the tannins are still present and could need some further time, an elegant wine with a good potential for mid term ageing." (First tasting: 9th may 2008)

"Very complex on the nose, same attributes as last time, slightly more intense, very nice structure, elegant fruit, there´s still more room for improvement even if it drinks perfectly well this time." (Second tasting : 14th november 2008)

Website : www.andreaslarsson.org

The 5 TOP WINES of the Bordeaux appellation - november 2008

Château de La Cour d'Argent 2006

During a double blind tasting of 53 preselected bordeaux-aoc wines at the Brasserie La Coupole à Paris, a jury has selected Château de La Cour d'Argent 2006 to be one of the 5 TOP WINES of the Bordeaux appellation.

Jacques Dupont - Le Point Bordeaux 2007 special issue - june 2008

Lynsolence 2007 : 16 /20

"Tender wine. First class tanins. Very classy."

Les Gravières 2007 : 15 /20

"Mineral, round, fruity and well balanced."

La Cour d'Argent 2007 : 14.5 /20

"Sweet and pleasant."

Robert Parker : The Wine Advocate n°171 - june 2007

Lynsolence 2004 : 90 /100 (up from previous tasting)

"A strong effort for the vintage, the 2004 Lynsolence is one of St.-Emilion's most concentrated and savory wines. (...) This beauty is accessible, but possesses the structure, power, and depth to age nicely for 12-15 years. Bravo!"

Robert Parker : The Wine Advocate n°170 - april 2007

Lynsolence 2005 : 91-94 /100

"This deep ruby/purple-tinged St.-Emilion offers a stunning nose of coffee, blueberries, black cherry jam, smoke, and lead pencil shavings. As one might expect from the natural alcohol achieved, there are high glycerin levels as well as loads of structure and tannin, and nicely intergrated acidity and wood in this powerful, big effort. Anticipited maturity: 2012-2015+."

Robert Parker - Bordeaux En Primeur

Lynsolence 2006: 91-94 /100

"Another sensational garage operation in St.-Emilion, proprietor Denis Barraud's Lynsolence has been performing at a high level of quality for a number of years. The 2006's dense purple color and sweet bouquet of scorched earth, camphor, beef blood, lead pencil shavings, blackberries and cassis liqueur are both outstanding. The complex aromatics are followed by an impressively constituted, full-bodied, concentrated wine with ripe tannin and a long finish. It should be drinkable in 4-5 years, and age nicely for two decades or more."

Les Gravières 2005: 91-93 /100

"It is a wine of huge intensity, purity, richness, balance, and texture, but is not yet revealing much complexity. It appears to have the potential for 15+ years of longevity."

La Cour d'Argent 2005: 87-89 /100

"Sleeper of the vintage"

Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate #164

Lynsolence 2003: 92 /100

"A tiny 6.5-acre vineyard planted in light gravel/sandy soils not far from Monbousquet and Valandraud, Lynsolence’s proprietor, Denis Barraud, is an up-and-coming star of St.-Emilion. Made from yields of 19 hectoliters per hectare, the 2003 (100% Merlot that achieved 14.5% alcohol) is an exuberant, flamboyant, modern-styled St.-Emilion displaying an inky/plum/purple color, a big, sweet, ostentatious bouquet (smoke, new oak, blackberries, cassis), low acidity, a dense, chewy personality, abundant fruit and glycerin, and plenty of flesh covering its structural skeleton. Sadly, there are only 525 cases of this gorgeous offering. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 12-14 years of life." (april 2006)

Les Gravières 2003: 91 /100

"Made by proprietor Denis Barraud, the 2003 is a surprisingly strong effort from a soil type that often suffered in this vintage. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as a fragrant perfume of black cherries, blueberries, smoke, and a hint of new barriques. Complete in the mouth, with full body, nicely integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol, and a long, heady, reassuringly deep, persistent finish, the 2003 possesses 13% natural alcohol. That component, along with its 100% barrel aging has been soaked up beautifully by the wine’s fruit. Drink it over the next 10-12 years." (april 2006)

La Revue du Vin de France - may 2007

Lynsolence ranked as one of the 5 Strong Buys of the 2006 vintage :

"Very fine nose, with expressive & complex fruit. Superb on the mouth, fine textured and full bodied without a trace of over extraction. The aromas in this brilliantly vinified wine are very long lasting."

To have a closer look...

RVF Guide 2008 - Classification of the best French wines

(Revue du Vin de France guide)

" Lynsolence 2005 makes a strong impression with its fruit and structure, he might surpass the somptuous 2000. Intense in color, 2004 is vinified with great skill in a modern and full of charm style. Les Gravières 2005 is very promising, with intense fruit. 2004 is a more austere and strict. Haut-Renaissance 2005, with abundant fruit, is a real bargain. " (2008)

RVF Guide 2007 - Classification of the best French wines

(Revue du Vin de France guide)

"Supple, dense full bodied, Lynsolence is a superb modern style Saint-Emilion. Sadly there's very little of it. Ch. Les Gravières 2003, is a good and dense Saint-Emilion and there is plenty of it. 2002 is more refined, and 2001 more elegant. Their straight Bordeaux La Cour d'Argent 2004 deserves watching, because it's not every day that you find a delicious Bordeaux with such length." (2007)

Guide Hachette 2008

Les Gravières : ** 2 stars and Editor's Choice for the 2004

"The wine is rich throughout the tasting (...) The mouth is fleshy, tasty and well structured with dense, well integrated tannins. A lively and elegant wine."

A further 12 mentions since 1995, Editor's Choice 6 times.

Haut-Renaissance : 1 star for the 2004

"Toasty notes with hints of red fruits lead into a rich mouth-feel well supported by tannins. The tasting finishes harmoniously."

A further 12 mentions with stars since 1995, Editor's Choice 6 times.

La Cour d'Argent : ** 2 stars and Editor's Choice for the 2005

"It is set apart by the complexity of its nose of ripe red fruit and dried fruit, with hints of vanilla, spice and liquorice typical of well handled barrel aging. In the mouth, all is power and balance, full bodied and full of fruit with well integrated grape tannins, marked by subtle oak, (vanilla and roasted wood), long finish."

A further 13 mentions (12 with stars) in the Guide Hachette since 1993,
Editor's Choice 3 times.

Guide Hachette 2005-2007

Lynsolence 2003: ** 2 stars

"This is an explosive wine! The typical claret red colour is very dark, almost black. In the mouth, which is extremely concentrated, warm, sappy, full and round, crystallised fruits and fine oak are reinforced by fine tight tannins. Mouthfilling."

Les Gravières: 2 stars for the 2002 vintage

"Good concentration on the nose is reflected in full round vinous power in the mouth."

A further 12 mentions since 1995, Editor's Choice 6 times.

Haut-Renaissance: Editor's Choice for the 2002.

"Powerful and sappy flavour marrying beautifully ripe fruit and quality oak."

A further 12 mentions with stars since 1995, Editor's Choice 6 times.

La Cour d'Argent: 1 star for the 2004

"Aged 12 months in oak, this merlot (95%) opens on black cherry and toast, and has animal notes. Elegant oak supports the dense round mouthfeel, finishing all on toasty, caressing notes. A Bordeaux which will open out further after two more years of cellaring."

A further 13 mentions (12 with stars) in the Guide Hachette since 1993,
Editor's Choice 3 times.

De Lyne: Editor's Choice for the 2002

"Very fleshy, vinous and full, this vintage relies on plenty of well integrated tannins to arrive at a spicy, toasty fnish. Very much a high class wine."

A further 11 mentions (10 with stars) since 1993,
Editor's Choice twice.

Jean-Marc Quarin - Tasting notes - synthesis

Lynsolence 2006 : 15.5 /20

"Full bodied with smooth tannins and brigth fruit."

Lynsolence 2005: 16 /20

"A mouthfilling, tasty wine. A success."

Lynsolence 2004: 15 - 15,25 /20

Lynsolence 2002: 15 /20

Lynsolence 2001: 15,25 /20

Lynsolence 2000: 15.5 - 16 /20

Lynsolence 1999: 16 /20

Lynsolence 1998: 16.5 - 17 /20 - Special favourite

"Gentle attack, developping into a silky and elegant mouthfeel. The juicy, careful tannins develop slowly, with a silky character overall, and the airy smoothness of a great wine. The tannins are impeccably enveloped, without opulence, nothing is excessive, nor is there too much wood. Slips down by itself."

Les Gravières 2006 : 14.5 - 14,75 /20

"Smooth and full of aromas. Well done modern wine."

Les Gravières 2005: 14.5 /20

Les Gravières 2004: 14.5 /20

Les Gravières 2002: 14,25 /20

Les Gravières 2001: 15.5 /20

Les Gravières 1998: 14.5 - 15 /20

Guide Gerbelle & Maurange 2006 - Guide to the best reasonably priced wines

Les Gravières 2002: "Mouth: full, tasty, long, well sustained at the finish. A very great success. 9 /10" (Placed second amongst the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru).

Haut-Renaissance 2000: "After being aged 5 years, this wine has found a perfect balance without being diminished. On the mouth it shows good intensity, volume and length. A good full style, perfect as of now. 8 /10"

Wine Spectator

Lynsolence 2003: 90 /100

Lynsolence 2000: 91 /100

"Bright blackberry aromas. Full bodied, with thick, but fine tannins and a long, fruity finish."

Les Gravières 2003: 87 /100

Les Gravières 2002: 88 /100

La Cour d'Argent 2006 (en primeur) : 85-88 /100

VINO Magazine

The VINO magazine's Belgian tasting committee gave a 3 Bacchus award for Château de La Cour d'Argent 2005.

Decanter Magazine - 2005

This celebrated British magazine gave a Bronze award to the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Château Les Gravières 2002.

Stephen Tanzer - International Wine Cellar

Lynsolence 2000: 87-90 /100

"Rich, creamy and seamless in the middle palate, with black cherry, rust and mineral flavors of noteworthy depth."

Lynsolence 1999: 86-89 /100

Revue du Vin de France - March 2006

"Saint-Emilion: Our own classification of the 2006 classed growths"

In the section "Deserve an honourable mention":

Lynsolence 2002 ****: "The relentless work of Denis Barraud, starting in 1998 on this tiny 2 Ha (6 acre) terroir is today bearing fruit. Made from old Merlot vines, Lynsolence, for all that it is a modern style wine, has plenty of character. The mouth is full, but very slender and tight. A surprising wine, the 2002 shines by its breeding and depth. It's a wine that has been created perfectly, with silky elegant tannins. It belongs in the playground of the greats."

In Vino Veritas #115 - Sept/Oct 2005

Lynsolence: "With an attack of spices, of vanilla and red fruit jam, it invites your contemplation. Openness and depth of flavour are key words from the very beginning. Despite average power and a finish showing a touch of bitterness, it benefits from a generous and frank structure. Whether sipped or gulped, there's pleasure to be had here."

Prize Cup of the Saint-Emilion Grand Crus

Blind tasting of 68 Saint-Emilion Grand Crus by 70 tasters.

Château Les Gravières: semi-finalist

(The finalists were Château de Valandraud and Château Rochebelle)

Paris Competition

Les Gravières 2008: Gold medal in 2010

Les Gravières 2007: Silver medal in 2009

Les Gravières 2006: Gold medal in 2008

Les Gravières 2004: Bronze medal in 2006

Les Gravières 2002: Silver medal in 2004

Les Gravières 2001: Bronze medal in 2003

Les Gravières 2000: Silver medal in 2002

Les Gravières 1999: Gold medal in 2001

Les Gravières 1998: Gold medal in 2000

Les Gravières 1997: Silver medal in 1999

Les Gravières 1995: Gold medal in 1997

Haut-Renaissance 2006: Silver medal in 2008

Haut-Renaissance 2005: Bronze medal in 2007

Haut-Renaissance 2001: Silver medal in 2003

Haut-Renaissance 2000: Gold medal in 2002

Haut-Renaissance 1999: Gold medal in 2001

Haut-Renaissance 1998: Gold medal in 2000

Haut-Renaissance 1997: Gold medal in 1999

Haut-Renaissance 1996: Gold medal in 1998

Haut-Renaissance 1994: Silver medal in 1996

Haut-Renaissance 1993: Gold medal in 1995

La Cour d'Argent 2000: Bronze medal in 2001

La Cour d'Argent 1999: Silver medal in 2000

La Cour d'Argent 1998: Gold medal in 1999

La Cour d'Argent 1997: Gold medal in 1998

La Cour d'Argent 1996: Gold medal in 1997

La Cour d'Argent 1995: Gold medal in 1996

Bordeaux Competition

Les Gravières 2002: Bronze medal in 2005

Les Gravières 2001: Gold medal in 2004

Haut-Renaissance 2006: Gold medal in 2008

La Cour d'Argent 2004: Gold medal in 2005

La Cour d'Argent 2003: Silver medal in 2004

La Cour d'Argent 2001: Bronze medal in 2002

De Lyne 2005: Gold medal in 2006

De Lyne 2004: Bronze medal in 2005

De Lyne 2002: Bronze medal in 2003

Independant Winemakers' Competition

Lynsolence 2005: Gold medal in 2008

Lynsolence 2004: Bronze medal in 2007

Lynsolence 2002: Gold medal in 2005

La Cour d'Argent 2007: Gold medal in 2008

La Cour d'Argent 2006: Silver medal in 2007

La Cour d'Argent 2005: Gold medal in 2007

La Cour d'Argent 2004: Silver medal in 2005

Los Angeles Competition

La Cour d'Argent 2007 : Bronze medal in 2009

Concours Vinexpo

Haut-Renaissance 2004, 2005, 2006 : St Emilion Cup Prize Cup finalist

Les Gravières 2004, 2005, 2006 : St Emilion Grand Cru Prize Cup finalist