Tasting notes

2009:  A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot.  Deep and complex aromas of black fruits, minerals and spice, which follow through on to the palate, which is fine and dry in a typical St.-Julien manner.  Long and very complex already, this has lovely elegance and purity and simply lasts and lasts.  Wonderful wine.  95-97 points, drink 2020-2035.  April 2010.

2007:  A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot.  Very attractive, pretty nose, showing minerals, smoke, blackcurrant, cassis and some florals.  On the palate the wine is quite tight and reticent, but has lovely purity and intensity of flavour, along with extremely fine, subtle tannins.  Very good complexity already and a long finish, the

wine is very elegant and refined - polished even - and I think this will open up in the coming years.  A most elegant grand vin.  93-95 points, drink 2012-2030.  April 2008.

2005:  Very powerful, lifted aromatics of blackberries, raspberries, mineral and spice.  Lovely, complex gamut of flavours on the palate, with loads of berries, plum and cassis fruits along with very fine, yet very powerful, tannins.  Fresh and vibrant, it is nonetheless a huge wine that will require plenty of time to fully resolve itself and show its best.  Very complex and long finish, this is a really attractive style.  96 points, drink 2015-2040.  November 2008.

2003:  Slightly roasted and exotic aromas of cassis, minerals, smoke, plum and red berries.  On the palate the wine has a surprising coolness, with fine, gentle tannins, dark, somewhat exotic rich fruit, and a long, fine finish.  This is very complex already, and despite its exotic character does not come across as overripe or exhibit any sur-maturite character.  Very impressive wine.  94 points, drink now-2020.  November 2006.

2000:  Ripe, sweet, unctious, hedonistic aromas of plum, red berries, kirsch and liqueur.  Extremely fine, layered tannins, well-balanced, good complexity on the palate, fine intensity and long finish.  94 points, drink

2010-2025.  November 2004.

1995:  Noteworthy as Wine Spectator ‘wine of the year’ in 1998.  Quite fine, lifted aromas of red berry fruits, plum and cassis.  On the palate the wine has lovely minerality and freshness, with attractive, ripe fruit and a touch of oak apparent.  Very good complexity and length of finish, this wine is already quite approachable but should improve with a little more time.  94 points, drink 2005-2020.  October 2002.

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