Andrew Jefford | Dark, dense black-red in color, with just a hint of purple; no longer opaque. Limpid, expressive, graceful, fine-lined plum and cherry fruits, and lots of pencilly finesse, too: teasing and classical, and one of the small cohort of Pomerol wines that manage to convey not a difficult vintage but a fine if fresh one. Tender and fleshy; sumptuous and sensual. Deep, pure, pristine, focused, and elegant on the palate, with bright, pungent fruits, just slightly brighter than the aromas conveyed—so, the vintage key signature is respected. Fresh-gathered and pert thanks to its near-herbal acidity, but generous, too. There are ample tannins and a sense of oiled-leather depths to come, but just now it is that assured core of fruit that impresses so. A fine effort: gathered, focused, arrow-launched, yet resonant, too.| 94

Michael Schuster | This is very odd to smell: a combination of oxidized/maderized—I hope Andrew’s bottle was better. | NS