Here is a rich and powerful wine that shows off the ripeness of the vintage without losing its varietal and territorial ways. Deep, keenly defined curranty Cabernet Sauvignon fruit sits at its heart while hints of cigar box, briar and forest-floor keep it very much in the Pauillac fold. Its rounded entry is soon followed plenty of gripping tannins, and, while structured for keeping, it conveys a wonderful impression of fruity volume even now.

Good full ruby-red. Complex, enticing aromas of black raspberry, licorice, minerals, bitter chocolate, lead pencil and pungent cedar; just this side of exotic. Wonderfully silky, sweet and thick, with a powerful minerality framing the currant, graphite and spice flavors. This boasts superb inner-mouth energy and great length, with the full, ripe tannins totally enrobed by the wine's mid-palate richness.

Rating: 96/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 03/08

Rating: 93-95 - As reviewed by Wine Advocate on 5/07