Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

This has a very different bouquet to the 1996: lighter and minty, more red fruit than black fruit profile, raspberry, bergamot, a touch of leather coming through. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, almost filigree tannins, harmonious, light and more Bordeaux like than other vintages with a little dryness coming through on the ferrous, honey-textured finish. This exudes style and panache. One of the greats of the decade, no doubt. (NM)

(11/2009)

Wine Spectator

Strikingly complex and very complete, with a mix of richness and vibrancy. Tight in structure, purity and density, centered around blackberry, currant, anise, cedar and cigar box flavors. (JL, Web-2016)

Vinous

Aromatic nose combines plum, redcurrant and cedary spices. Very suave, fine-grained, plummy wine with captivating saline minerality. Lovely balance and subtle sweetness of fruit here, not to mention suave, ripe tannins. Finishes firm and clean, with terrific subtle length. (ST)

(05/2016)

Jancis Robinson

A nose of flowers and spice mixed with red fruit and cedar accents. Vibrant and persistent acidity couples with fine-grained tannins and carry into a long smooth finish. The palate opens with red fruit then moves into dried blossom and spice with hints of cedar. 17/20 points (ECB)

(04/2016)