AJ | Saturated deep black-red, opaque. Wonderful St Estephe classicism here: fresh, elegant, sculpted, sober, lifted and poised. In fruit terms, down-the-line classicism, without a single obtrusive note. Just serous, dark, shadow-fallen blackcurrant with a stony undertow: inspiring. On the palate, magnificent purity and breadth: vigorous, firm and fine. Another non-classed-growth property which just struts confidently and assuredly into classed-growth territory this year. Ok, it doesn't have the fruited resource of Montrose, or not quite, but we're honestly not far off; this is sensational stuff from a very distinguished set of vineyards. Beautiful drinking, and the very essence of St Estephe (more 'St Estephe' than gorgeously exotic Cos can ever be, for example). Set your compass here.Drink Dates: 2025 - 2040. 94
MS | Relatively closed and tight to smell, but all the year’s ripe fruit and gravel telltales there in mute alongside a touch of new oak; full, rich, fresh, firmly but finely tannic, nicely medium to long term balanced; fresh, juicy, succulent St Estèphe, ripe fruit packed and close knit, long across the palate, mineral tinged, and with a fruit-cored length of aftertaste to match the mid palate. Very fine long term Phélan, tannins still quite grippy, but plenty of promise here. Drink Dates: 2029 - 2045+. 91