Michael Schuster: fine, scented, black currant nose; elegantly balanced, fresh, concentrated medium-weight wine with a fine-grained tannin; long, sweetly ripe, refined flavour; subtle, complex and graceful. Very good indeed, but even this will need a good 12-15 years! 17

Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: Oaky presence, tightness and depth, with fine, close-knit tannins, fruity length and terrific style. Unlike most wines sampled in comparative tastings, this one tasted even better than the Chateau sample. A magnificent, massive, perfect wine, with sumptuous follow-through on the palate. Should turn out at least as great as the 2000. 18