Neil Beckett:Still a very dark, deep color. Intense, ripe, and seductive on the nose, but with a pleasing light pepperiness and vegetal vivacity, the kind that serves as a reminder that vines are living plants rooted in soil. Medium-bodied, balanced, and elegant, with fresh acidity, but concentrated, too, with a fleshier, meatier richness than the 2004 or 2000. At this stage it still lacks a little succulence on the end finish, but should acquire it over time, as the exceptional length promises a long and rewarding life. Eyebrows were raised at the en primeur stage when some Right Bank proprietors and winemakers suggested that 2001 might be at least the equal of 2000. But it is increasingly clear that in many cases they are right. Laporte agrees that 2001 is often the more concentrated of the two, and believes that it will often be better as well, especially 10–15 years from now when the wines are fully mature.