SF | Dense purple, with plenty of ripe fruit evidenced; the Cuvelier signature flamboyant and flowery as ever; only as one digs deeper does one discern the authenticity of provenance and the quality of the fruit; black tea, blackcurrant and rigorous stentorian tannins. A Janus-like wine then; but does it please everyone? Or no-one? On this impressive showing I am happy to incline towards the more benevolent judgement. 92
AJ | Dense, saturated black-red. The cool freshness of the season overall clearly on display here, but sweetly accomplished and finished, and with some spice notes too. I don't think St Estephe had an easy time of it this year, but this wine is gathered and balanced, with a sense of warmth as well as freshness; it's sustained and long, curranty without bitterness and without the acids getting the upper hand. An excellent buy for the next decade.Drink Dates: 2026 - 2035.