Made under the guidance of Hubert du Bouard, this blend of primarily Merlot and a tiny dollop of Cabernet Franc (around 9%) from the limestone soils on the hillsides of St.-Emilion exhibits a dense purple color, lots of chalky minerality and a big, sweet perfume of boysenberries, blackberries, licorice and burning embers. It is full-bodied and opulent with an abundance of fruit, glycerin, power and silkiness. Some tannins lurking in the finish suggest a half dozen years of cellaring will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035.

Plush, with linzer torte and cassis flavors harnessed by a plum skin frame, while sweet spice and toasted apple wood notes flesh out the finish. Drink now through 2019. 1,500 cases made. -JM

Long, fine, lovely purity of fruit. Limestone terroir evident. Has the racy quality of a top cru. Drink 2017-2030. (16.5 points)

Intense, dark purple, vibrant red. Dense nose mingling dark fruit, marc and a touch of oak. Warm, fruit-forward attack. Huge extraction, firm tannins on the finish. Still tightly-wound.