Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: Dark-red color, magical cedar aromas and fabulously well built for this cru—we have never known it so vinous when newly made. All of the tactile sensations are remarkably refined. More vibrant than the Lafite and as classy—one of this year’s top performers.19

Michael Schuster: Black-purple; dense, minerally, persistent nose, markedly aromatic; a notably well-balanced, rich, firm elegance; a steely definition and yet velvety textured, with freshly ripe fruit, cedar-oak infused, finely mineral, mouth-coatingly aromatic; long, delicately sweet, and subtle across the palate, lovely persistence of fruit and gravel scents on the finish. Great finesse. An impressive combination of power and refinement, delicacy and intensity. Very fine, long-term Ducru. 2020–35+. 17.5/18