Very much a proponent of 2005 ripeness and showing all of the succulent fruit that marks the best performers of the year, this wonderfully rich and aromatic offering ups the ante in terms of fruity volume and scale, yet it is never less than firmly structured and wholly Margaux in manner. Its fine-grained tannins ensure a decade or two of improvement, but it shows so much early appeal that it will tempt drinking far sooner.

Good full red-ruby. Inviting, expressive aromas of plum, redcurrant, mocha, coffee, game, flowers and nutty oak. Sweet, fat and stuffed with fruit; quite silky in texture but a bit less refined than the 2006 in spite of its greater richness. Fairly full wine, finishing with lovely lingering perfume as well as slightly edgy tannins that will require a decade of cellaring.

#2 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2008 Very beautiful aromas of crushed berry, flowers, currant and Indian spices follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. Extremely polished and beautiful, with a seamless texture. Best after 2014. 97 Points Wine Spectator November 2008

Rating: (90-93) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 170 on Apr-07

Rating: 95-100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 03/06