Wine Spectator

Aromas of currant and sweet tobacco follow through to a full body, with soft, silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. A little dusty, but lots of fruit and character.'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now." (Web only, 2009)

Jancis Robinson

Lively deep crimson still, though with an evolved rim. A slightly leafy note, the sort that would scare most American winemakers. Very fresh and energetic with great manners now. Finishes just a little suddenly but with polished tannins. Pretty 'cool' tasting and dry on the end. Relatively light. Classic claret indeed...

(02/2010)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Good full, fresh ruby. Perfumed, captivating aromas of sappy black cherry, violet and rose petal. Austere and penetrating, and yet the texture is ultimately more pliant than that of the '86. Raspberry and cherry fruit flavors are complicated by notes of camphor, black olive, herbs and cedar. Finishes with slightly dry tannins and subtle persistence. "This is the first vintage we made with real knowledge of the property," Ducasse noted. (ST)

(10/2004)