Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: Somewhat overpowering oak in this sample; background notes of prunes from ultra-ripe grapes; plenty of finesse and complexity on the finish; rich and stylish overall. 16.5

Michael Schuster: Mineral and red-fruit nose; quite full for Les Carmes, with a lively acidity and fine tannin round a freshly ripe, fairly fleshy core; long and even across the palate, linear in style, in keeping with the nature of the vintage, overall a fine combination of red fruit and mineral aromas. Sapid, refined Graves with excellent aromatic length. 2016–28+. 16/16.5