Wine Spectator

Offers a juicy, lively core of plum, cassis and blackberry, studded with anise, violet and singed vanilla notes. Everything pulls together seamlessly on the finish, with a well-embedded graphite spine. (JM, Web-2014)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The Cabernet Franc is less pronounced on this bottle, but there remains a savour, dried blood tincture right in the background. The palate is medium-bodied and just a little herbaceous, yet there is undoubtedly sufficient fruit here to render this a very enjoyable Pauillac, armed with that seductive tobacco-tinged finish. Superb – but will last 15-20 years. (NM)

(03/2012)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Deep red-ruby color. Currant, loam, tobacco and smoky oak on the nose. Silky, sweet and tender in the middle palate; leather, game and chocolate notes add complexity to the wine strong currant component. Showing slightly less harmoniously than the '96, perhaps due to the bottling, but this thoroughly seductive wine has all the components for future greatness. (ST)

(05/1998)

Decanter

In contrast to the 2015, this vintage has a larger percentage of Merlot in the blend, along with 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. The colour shows no sign of age, although the nose has less aromatic force than one would have expected. It does show charm and elegance, however. The attack is fresh and limpid, and the moderately concentrated fruit is backed by firm tannins. There's plenty of grip here, but it lacks a little punch and persistence. Still highly enjoyable and finely balanced. (SB)

(11/2017)

Jancis Robinson

Low key but very classy nose. Nothing out of place. Very sweet with luscious tannins – much less fierce than in most other 1995s. A very attractive gamey wine with perhaps quite a high proportion of Merlot. Polished finish – sweet but not tarty. Very persistent. 18/20 points (JR)

(02/2011)