Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: The wine’s core seems to have more density than Beychevelle or Talbot, with a bit more vitality in the tannins. It is less aromatically refined, however, than the great second growths. It will certainly be a great buy, though, since the wine has depth, allure, and the huge structure of the vintage. 17.5

Michael Schuster: Dense oak, mineral, and ripe black fruit on the nose; lovely balance in a full, rich style, an elegantly concentrated, very nicely textured middleweight, with a fresh acidity and a firm but unobtrusive tannin; plenty of matter, no asperity, easy, effortless, restrained ripe-dry claret flavor, gravel-marked behind the fruit; understated, complex, and with great, freshly defined fruit length. Even, harmonious, very fine St-Pierre. 2018–30. 16.5/17