Red-ruby. High-pitched aromas of blackberry, violet and dark chocolate. Juicy, bright and quite tight, with an inky quality and good clarity to the intense dark berry flavors. Lively and persistent, finishing with smooth, harmonious tannins and excellent lift and length. This was a standout in the Union des Grands Crus Margaux tasting. My subsequent sample at the estate began a bit more chunky, with a ripe, chocolatey character and slightly rough tannins, but showed a candied blackberry element and more intense fruit with aeration, turning much more expressive and gaining in freshness. 89-91 points Stephen Tanzer

A rather classy middleweight, showing elegance and purity but also real drive and lovely ripe black fruits. The nose offers fragrant spices, liquorice and a hint of floral perfume but the palate betrays something a little more serious and deep. This has the charm, finesse and quality that you look for in Margaux at this level. 16.5 points