AJ | Dark, saturated black-red, right to the rim; some lingering purple, too. The oak shows a little more forcefully than it does on the Baron de Brane, but there is sweetly defined, ample ripened fruit behind plus some cereal-grain fullness. The aromatics here clearly need a little more developmental time, but this seems promising. Very fresh and bright on the palate, with prominent acidity. This will always be a slender wine but it has grace, finesse and shapeliness. The acidity remains palpable and prominent in the finish. Fine if you like 'cut', though I find it a little obtrusive with the perspective of age Drink Dates: 2027 - 2038. 89
SF | Deeply saturated purple. Black fruit and rather ponderous oak dominate the nose, which appears a little foursquare. There is more promise on the palate, both texturally and in terms of future development. The harder notes are tempered by a breadth of succulent fruit, an aromatic integrity and a tannic weave which chronicles a pleasing evolution foretold. Margaux elegance to the fore, deftly responsive to the challenges of the vintage. Drink Dates: 2027 - 2041. 92