The 2000 Bordeaux vintage stands as one of the most celebrated of the modern era, widely seen as a pivotal moment after a decade of more variable quality. Following a string of less consistent vintages in the 1990s — including the bad years 1991, 1992, the difficult ones 1993, 1994, 1997 and 1999 and good but not great 1995 (drying tannins), 1996 (only top in Medoc), 1998 (only top in Pomerol) — expectations were sky-high when the growing season in 2000 unfolded under nearly ideal conditions. Warm, dry weather at harvest allowed for perfect ripening across all grape varieties, and the resulting wines were immediately praised for their depth of fruit, concentration, and serious structure. The style of the vintage combined classical balance with richness and polish, offering wines that were approachable yet built for the long haul.
Critics were quick to recognize the significance of the vintage. Robert Parker, then the most influential voice in fine wine criticism, memorably declared the 2000 vintage “Bordeaux’s Hallelujah” in The Wine Advocate newsletter issue #139 (February 2002, see picture above). His enthusiastic praise reflected a broader mood of celebration across the wine world, as both Left and Right Bank estates produced outstanding wines. The vintage was seen as a historic turning point, where modern vineyard practices and a near-perfect growing season converged to deliver wines that would be treasured for decades.
However, while the 2000s showed superb promise early on, they also developed a reputation for their formidable tannic structure. Many wines shut down dramatically in bottle during their first decade, becoming austere and unyielding. It took nearly 20 years for the best examples to truly soften and begin to display the complex layers promised in their youth. So it was a good moment today, after 25 years, to check in on some of the top Crus form all appellations. The verdict: They have entered drinking window, revealing the richness, aromatic complexity, and textural backbone that confirm their place among Bordeaux’s most ageworthy and rewarding vintages. The tannins have softened, but it should be mentioned that more recent great vintages like 2010, 2016, 2019, 2022 show even better tannins as progress has not stood still in Bordeaux.
The Merlot based wines served tonight have reached their peak and should be consumed in the coming years. Cabernet based wines drink well with a short decant and will also keep. The two Premier Grand Crus (Margaux, Latour) who would benefit from a longer decant or some more cellar time. The wines served were bought en Primeur by myself and fellow wine collector friend Nick Adamus who helped lead through the evening.
The Result
| Group Rank (top 5) | Wine |
| 1 | Chateau Margaux and Chateau Lynch Bages |
| 3 | Chateau Trotanoy |
| 4 | Chateau Latour |
| 5 | Chateau Evangile |
Tasting Notes
Flight 1
2000 Château Léoville Barton 92 Points
Restrained nose. Firm, rustic tannins. Markedly tertiary. High acidity slightly outpaces the fruit. Needs food.
2000 Château Léoville Poyferré 94 Points
Riper aromatics than the Leo Barton and LLC next to it and much more enjoyable with dark fruit, fruitcake and a hint of peat. Lively freshness. Acidity quite pronounced as well though.
2000 Château Léoville Las Cases 93 Points
Cool blue fruit and forest floor on the nose. Structured with gripping tannins. Mid-palate lacks a little flesh. Aromatics outshine the palate.
Flight 2
2000 Château Rauzan-Ségla 93 Points
Lovely nose of spice and clove. Light-bodied with a silken feel. High acidity gives linearity. Elegant, if slightly slender.
2000 Château Margaux 95 Points
Refined and earthy. Clove-spiced with great aromatic complexity. Long and regal, though still tightly wound. Lacks a bit of charm today for a higher score, so give this a good decant or keep for a few more years.
2000 Clos Fourtet 93 Points
Earthy tones and fruitcake. Supple tannins. Plush and ready.
2000 Château Troplong Mondot 91 Points
Maggi, plum and prune. Slightly over-extracted and drying. Bold, Parkeresque.
Flight 3
2000 Château Pontet-Canet 94 Points
Expressive nose of forest floor, fruitcake and blue fruit. Classic and grounded.
2000 Château Lynch-Bages 97 Points
Gorgeous red and dark fruit, graphite, and menthol. Plush texture with great length. Textbook Pauillac. 97–98
2000 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 96 Points
Subtle brett, iodine, pine and great depth. Long, complex, distinctive.
Discussing wine and enjoying good food at Chez Smith
Flight 4
2000 Château Pape Clément 96 Points
Complex nose with a hint of brett and cherry. Silky tannins. Very sexy, lovely toasty notes. Combines broad appeal with connoisseur seriousness. 96+
2000 Château Smith Haut Lafitte 96 Points
Also lightly bretty like the Pape Clement next to it. Spiced cherry and oak. Accessible but with structure and depth.
2000 Château Cos d’Estournel 96 Points
Vanilla, oak and dense dark fruit. Generous and structured. Long finish.
Flight 5
2000 Château Trotanoy 97 Points
Dark plum, pine and fruitcake. Chalky finesse. Serious structure yet seductive at the same time.
2000 Château Latour Grand Vin 96 Points
Restrained. Cassis, pepper, and dense dark fruit. Tight, youthful and in need of time.
2000 Château L’Evangile 98 Points
Licorice, red fruit and intensity. Rich yet serious. Superb balance. My WOTN.
Dessert wines
2000 Château Rieussec 94 Points
Glorious nose of saffron, quince and apricot. Fresh and lifted.
2001 Château Rieussec 94 Points
Richer and more concentrated. Apricot and saffron again. Still quite youthful. Needs more time. 92–94
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET III, FWS, WSG Champagne Master
April 2025
