Rating: 88 Points (Wine Advocate)

“Full ruby-red. Raspberry, minerals, lead pencil, botanical herbs and violet on the nose. Bright and juicy, showing discreet floral red berry, licorice, white pepper and mineral flavors. Nicely integrated acidity and youthfully chewy tannins give this wine firm spine. This is the last vintage of Magdelaine (after this vintage Magdelaine was incorporated into Belair to create Belair-Monange), so allow me to raise my glass to the memory of a great chateau. The 1961 Magdelaine is one of the greatest red wines I have ever tasted. Classic jammy cherry notes as well as a distinctive crushed rock and chalky minerality are found in this dark ruby-colored 2011. Medium-bodied, compact and narrowly constructed as well as pure, elegant and attractive, it can be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years.”(Apr 2014)