Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: More assured than the Lafleur-Pétrus, with more fat, balanced tannins and perceptible terroir character. A well-crafted wine that is in no danger of drying out. 15.5

Michael Schuster: Mid-purple. Mineral-backed truffle, caramel and ripe-cherry Merlot nose. Medium-full, finely balanced in a delicate but also very firm style. Freshly ripe and savoury palate, but its hallmarks of subtlety and finesse somewhat dominated by its dry tannin for the moment. Seems austere for the vintage, but that may also be the stage of tasting. Not sure about this, though I am usually a great fan. 16.5?