This is a tannic, impressively built, structured effort lacking fruit. If the rigidness, hardness, and astringent tannin become resolved, it will be an upper-eighty point St.-Emilion. If they don’t, it will always be an out of balance claret with a mean streak. There have been a lot of investments in this property, which is beautifully situated on the lower slopes of St.-Emilion, so it is worth keeping an eye on.

Loads of jammy blackberry character follows through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Chewy. Best after 2008. 4,440 cases made. -JS