AJ | Dense, dark black-red; opaque at the core. A purer blackcurrant perfume than for the Sarget, and with meatier and spicier tones, too. Impressive and appetising aromas, though nonetheless urgent and driving alongside its peers. A very energetic and rousing wine on the palate, riding a surf break of pure, surging acidic blackcurrant power. This takes a while to subside and there are firm tannins further slowing and charging the process. The ripeness was just achieved ... but not by much, though this may intensify the classic appeal for some. It's the most brutal, shocking and unapologetic of the top St Juliens in our tasting. Could we not have waited for just a little more ripeness here? But it is a concentrated and impressive wine with perhaps more sheer depth than any of its peers. Drink Dates: 2029 - 2041. 91
SF | A big colour and typically uncompromising Gruaud nose of herbs, spice and fruit; thyme, cassis and pepper, hints of forest floor and cigar box. The palate is equally unforgiving, its tannic layers among the most intense of all the wines tasted. The fruit appears a little stretched at the moment, but may well allow time's arrow to reconstitute its shape. Give it time, a rare invocation in this timid year.. Drink Dates: 2031 - 2047. 92