Michael Schuster: This is deeply coloured and smells fine, but on the palate it is rather fluid-centered and dry-edged - especially for a second growth. Still a long way from its neighbour, Rauzan-Segla, in quality. 14.5

Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: fine oak, lovely fruit and cedar tones, viscous, honest and deep with voluptuous silkiness. A wine with all the right credentials from a chateau that has gone from strength to strength and now ranks among the best. Sappy, with classy aromas and faultless tannins - all the signs of a great vintage Bordeaux that promises to offer outstanding value for money. 17