Bright red-ruby. Aromas of boysenberry, licorice and cedary, nutty oak lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy, dry and vinous; not a particularly fleshy wine but elegant, high-pitched and sexy, with lovely energy giving clarity to the sappy dark fruit, licorice and oak flavors. Finishes with firm tannins and very good sneaky persistence. Classic claret. Not hard today, but I'd still sock this one away.

Leading with downright seductive aromas of optimally ripe currants, toasty oak and a sweetening touch of caramel, this weighty, but wonderfully supple wine shows the classic Margaux aspects of polish and proportion. Its tailored tannins provide a nice bit of spine without ever encroaching on its ongoing fruit, and it promises to develop famously if its near-term appeals can be resisted.

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

Rating: 92-94 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 4/07