Wine Spectator:  Rated as A very good wine displaying various degrees of finesse and flavor, as well as character with no noticeable flaws to an outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "Pretty blueberry and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Lots going on. Big wine for the appellation. Best in a long time from here. Score range: 89-92." Web Only 2010

Robert M. Parker, Jr. on the 2009 Médoc VINTAGE: "The finest vintage I have tasted in 32 years of covering Bordeaux!!!"

Winery:  "Deep ruby color. Beautiful bouquet of floral notes and ripe fruit. Full-bodied palate with blackfruit, spice, and toasty notes leading to a long elegant finish."

Wired For Wine:  How about a French soiree? Forget the mime, but make sure you get some of this Château la Cardonne Cru Bourgeois Médoc to create the mood. Allons-y winelovers! Savor the delicate floral aromas in your first glass as you tuck into a rabbit terrine with picholines (green olives) and pistachios. Lightly toasted slices of baguette will provide the best transportation from plate to mouth. The full body, dark, ripe fruit, suggestion of spice, toast, bitey tannins and long, lingering finish make this marvelous Médoc perfect for meats such as lamb, beef, ham and game. One of our all-time favorites is a grilled rib-eye with sauce Béarnaise and quick garlic frites, known in Paris as Entrecôte Béarnaise. The grilling will show off those tannins beautifully. If you've got some time on your hands, we recommend duck confit perched atop a potato leek ragout. And for the shocking chill in the air, braise some lamb shanks with pearl onions and rosemary. The rosemary will be delicious next to the floral notes in this Château la Cardonne. You'll need another bottle at the ready to go with the soft, creamy French Morbier cheese you've got for the last course. Qu'attendez-vous ? Obtenez les verres!

*Barrel tastings are always a range score, as the wine is still developing, and has not been through its full ageing process.  It gives an indication of potential.

Size:  750ml; cork
Varietal:  50 % Merlot, 45 % Cabernet-Sauvignon, 5 % Cabernet Franc
Alcohol:  13.0%
Ageing:  12 months in oak barrels (50% new, 50% one year old)
Region:  Medoc, Bordeaux, France