AJ | Saturated midnight black and still opaque, almost to the core. Lively and full, with both fresh fruit and ripe fruit in evidence; fine floral notes, too, as well as the beef slabs. And spices. Impeccable craftsmanship here, and the quality of the fruit tells its own story of vineyard endeavour throught the season. Unquestionably 'the most Pauillac' of all the Pauillacs we have looked at. Fine depth and drive from start to finish here; grand energy; splendid allusions, as on the aromas. Very fine, fruit-saturated tannins are balanced by lively, ringing acidity. It's a little bit more open-textured than the Comtesse and it doesn't quite have the same level of aromatic subtlety ... but these are differences of terroir, not of achievement. Gloriously warm and life-enhancing Pauillac, even in this minor-key vintage. Drink Dates: 2030 - 2045. 50
SF | Deeply saturated colour, not giving much away at the rim. The nose of dark chocolate, crushed black berries, pepper and spice, boasts Pauillac typicity with notes of Assam tea, preserved dried fruit and even a hint of kerosene all adding to an innate complexity. Structurally , however, and thankfully the wine is harmonious and complete, the natural acidity which was an easy gift in 2021 far from overwhelming the overall structure, with the finely grained tannins impressive as they draw the wine across the palate and foreshadow the appreciation of the fortunate taster. Drink Dates: 2029 - 2045. 93