Stephen Brook: Very deep red. Inky, brooding, blackcurranty nose, graphite, and only a hint of cheesiness detracts. Rich, upfront, with a fine attack and immediate impact; has enough fruit to sustain the bold tannins. Duhart can be a bit of a yokel, but not here. This has depth as well as power, a compact structure, and just enough acidity to refresh the palate. A sweet blackcurrant-pastille finish, but not at all confected. Impressive, harmonious, and long. 17.5

Andrew Jefford: Deep red-black. Cedary and refined. Impressive. This is built on a core of solidly and sweetly ripe fruit; the tannins have been very carefully constructed; and it’s a wine of great innate complexity and subtlety, in every sense a Lafite sibling. Warm, savory, refined, and flavored, full of notes and nuances, though without the concluding power of Léoville Barton, Pichon-Lalande, or Pontet-Canet. Classic wine-buff stuff. 16