Winemaker Notes
The grapes are initially sorted in the vineyard, hand-picked into small crates, manually destemmed, and then put into wooden vats by gravity flow. Cool pre-fermentation maceration. Manual punching down of the cap. The wine is run off directly into new barrels via gravity flow, without any pumping. It is then aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot

Critical Acclaim
WS91
Wine Spectator
Loads of grape, chocolate, berry and tobacco character. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long, caressing finish. Pretty and rich, with a meat and berry undertone that's almost decadent. Best after 2010.

RP91
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This brilliant blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Merlot (which was harvested very late) reveals complex aromas of lead pencil shavings, burning embers, black currants, cherries, and blackberries as well as a subtle smoky charcoal component. Medium to full-bodied and spicy with sweet tannin and an opulent, fleshy personality, it is a terrific effort from this great Pessac-Leognan vineyard. Consume it now and over the next 15+ years.

WE90
Wine Enthusiast
Dark, bitter chocolate flavors come together with dusty tannins, new wood and smoky aromas. Despite a slight vegetal hint, the main effect is elegance, with a smooth aftertaste.