Michael Schuster: Cedar nose; fullish, firm, with chewy textured tannin and a modest fruit core. Quite good. 14.5

Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: One of the densest, most accomplished wines in the history of the chateau. Unmistakably St-Estephe in character, with slightly more rustic tannins than the Phelan-Segur but fleshier and a truer reflection of the nature of the vintage. Highly recommended to lovers of this appellation, at a price that probably won't break the bank. All it needs is a shade more aromatic persistence. 16