Perfection in 100-Point Wines

Even in a world filled with hyperbole and constant “amazement” a 100-point wine rating is a monumental achievement. The fact that a renowned critic, whose credibility is on the line, would award a perfect rating does still matter. Of course, perfection is in the eyes, experience and soul of the person who tastes.

But the main elements of wine quality are well established: phenolic ripeness, fruit to acidity balance and, finally, structure leading to longevity. When all these elements are united with that something extra — the coup de cœur (literally “a blow to the heart”) as the French say — it’s appropriate to call the wine perfect.

For wine lovers, it is extraordinarily pleasurable to sample a wine that others have determined to be something remarkable. Of course, if you’re a collector, there is another dimension altogether in that the wine dramatically increases in value. Generally, the price of 100-point wines will double or even triple over the original cost. The only downside is that these wines quickly disappear from retailer lists.

That said, here is a selection of our “perfect wines”. Most are available now, although some are arriving in early fall. As always, all items are linked and can be ordered on line. If you have questions or need futher assistance, write mthibaultwine@gmail.com or call 850-687-1370.

FIRST GROWTH LEFT BANK
Château Haut-Brion
2015. JD-100 RP-100 NM-100. $689.99
2018. RP-100. $629.99
2019. JS-100. $629.99
Château Lafite-Rothschild
2005. DC-100 JS-100. $1,079.99
2009. JS-100. $1,089.99
2010. WE-100. $1,089.99
2015. WE-100. $899.99
2016. DC-100 JD-100 JS-100. $1,059.99
Château Latour
2005. AG-100 WE-100 W&S-100. $1,079.99
Château Margaux
2009. JS-100. $939.99
Château Mouton Rothschild
2010. DC-100 JS-100. $929.99
2016. JD-100 JS-100 RP-100 AG-100 NM-100. $849.99

FIRST GROWTH RIGHT BANK
Château Angélus
2016. WE-100. $389.99
2018. JD-100. $448.99
Château Ausone
2018. DC-100 RP-100. $848.99
Château Cheval Blanc
2009. DC-100 JD-100 WA-100. $959.99
Château Pavie
2005 in Magnum. JD-100 JS-100 RP-100. $1,049.99
2010. RP-100. $449.99
2016. JS-100 RP-100. $399.99
2018. JD-100. $389.99

BORDEAUX LEFT BANK
Château Cos d’Estournel
2009. JD-100 RP-100. $338.99
2016. JS-100 RP-100 NM-100. $249.99
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
2018. JD-100. $149.99
Château Haut-Bailly
2010. DC-100. $194.99
Château La Mission Haut-Brion
2010. RP-100 JS-100. $689.99
Château Léoville Las Cases
2010. WE-100 DC-100. $289.99
Château Léoville-Poyferré
2009. RP-100 JD-100. $254.99
Château Montrose
2009. RP-100. $339.99
2010. RP-100. $289.99
2016. JD-100. $239.99
2018. JD-100. $199.99
Château Palmer
2015. JS-100. $349.99
2016. AG-100 JD-100 WE-100. $349.99
2018. NM-100 DC-100 AG-100. $442.99
Château Pichon-Baron
2018. WE-100. $173.99
Château Pape Clément
2010. RP-100. $259.99
Château Pontet-Canet
2016. WE-100. $164.99
2016 in Magnum. WE-100. $358.99
Château Smith Haut Lafitte
2009. RP-100. $299.99

BORDEAUX RIGHT BANK
Château Figeac
2018. WE-100. $274.99
2018 in Magnum. WE-100. $529.99
Château L’Évangile
2015. JS-100. $244.99
Château Pétrus
2018. JS-100 RP-100 AG-100. $4,099.99
Château Troplong Mondot
2009. JD-100. $199.99