A wine that certainly brings out much of the rich, dense character of 2005. The tannins are solid and dry, but with all that black berry fruit and ripe acidity, this is a fine achievement. It holds up well on the finish, bringing out sweetness as well as freshness.——R.V.(6/1/2009)—— 88

Private Reserve, it is called, and this full-bodied, well-wooded wine is a definite cut above the other Medoc in the Thomas Barton range. It is has structure, density, well-defined black fruits and a dry, tannic core, which could even promise some aging. This nudges up to a decent chateau wine.——R.V.(6/1/2007)—— 87