Joanna Simon: Although this is slightly lower in alcohol than the 2010 (14.2% against 14.5%), it actually feels bigger, albeit in a broader, fleshier, slightly looser way. The flavors are meltingly ripe and enveloping: chocolaty, creamy, spicy, with blackcurrant sweetness (blackcurrant truffles come to mind) and touches of licorice and black tapenade. The tannins are as polished and positive as the fruit, and the wine is swathed in glossy oak, 100% new. Jean-Michel Laporte said he felt, during the en primeur tastings, that 100% was a little too much. I agree, but it’s a stellar wine all the same.