Wine Spectator

This takes the power of the vintage and puts it in its pocket for later, preferring instead to let mouthwatering briar, loganberry, mulberry and blackberry fruit strut its way forward, enlivened with roasted wood spice and supported by suavely but thoroughly embedded iron-tinged structure. Should cruise for two decades. Best from 2016 through 2035. 4,500 cases made. *Ranked #2 of the Top 100 Wines of 2013* (JM)

(03/2013)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

This wine shows wonderfully exotic tapenade, licorice, Christmas fruitcake, cedar wood, blackberry and sweet cherry notes in its strikingly provocative aromatics. On the palate, the wine is dense and full-bodied, with stunning concentration, purity, texture and length. It is full-bodied, silky smooth and seems to have more in common with the 2009 than one might expect, although the freshness and tannin levels are slightly more elevated. Drink it over the next 20+ years. (RP)

(02/2013)

James Suckling

This is tight and powerful. Solid frame of fruit and tannins. Curious about this. Like the 2009.

(04/2011)

Wine Enthusiast

Barrel Sample. A beautifully structured wine that is both ripe and elegant. It is bolstered by tannins, the acidity a great cutting edge. The black currant fruits are already delicious, although the tannins promise a great future. (RV)

(06/2011)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Good bright ruby-red. Expressive aromas of black raspberry, cassis, licorice, caramel and smoky oak are complicated by leather and game nuances. Large-scaled, rich and sweet but with harmonious acidity giving shape to the broad black and blue fruit flavors. Finishes rich and long, with surprising lift and plush, sweet tannins that reach the incisors. This is pure and balanced from the start and should age gracefully for a couple decades. (ST)

(07/2013)

Decanter

Nicely extracted berry fruit nose with some charm. Open and smooth on the palate, supple and quite rich fruit and a nice touch of spice. Very rich and voluptuous, concentrated and dramatic, this is a modern-style St-Émilion that delivers the goods.

Jancis Robinson

Dark crimson and an evolved rim. Good life and freshness. Real energy even if not the densest or ripest. Super refreshing. Quite sinewy – certainly not fat - with tannins very well covered and good persistence. (JR) 17/20 points

(01/2014)