Andy Frieden, JJ Buckley, April 2011

60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. This 43-hectare vineyard is on soils that are a mix of gravel and clay with some limestone deposits, and the average age is 35 years. Merlot hand harvested between Sept. 29th and Oct. 7th and the cabernet between Oct. 12th and 18th. Yields were 42 hls/ha after selection and saignée. Alcohol at 14%. Aromas of spring flowers, blackberry and cassis fill the nose with an underlying gravelly rocky foundation. On the palate, the power is dialed up with black raspberry supported by deep mocha, blackberry jam and some nice minerality. The wine is precise and full-bodied with a lingering finish.

90 -91 points,

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, April 2011

This is soft and velvety, with blueberry and blackberry aromas. Full body, with round tannins and a long finish. A rich and almost jammy wine. Plenty going on here! 2009 was excellent as well.

Jancis Robinson, April 2011

Same owner as Pédesclaux. Managed by the same team as Gironville, Belle-Vue etc. Recently bought in 2008 by rugby figure. Maitre de chai is young Australian, Sam Gavan. Bright crimson. Sweet and malty on the nose. Pretty assertive, sweet, then chewy. Certainly not subtle! Hard work for the moment but with much more fruit than most St-Estèphes. Tasted 5 Apr: Mid crimson. Scented and fresh. Quite light and minerally - fine boned. Correct and racy. Not fighting the local character.

88 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2013

A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, this wine displays deep black currant fruit along with some damp earth and forest notes intermixed with roasted herbs, licorice, and a touch of oak. The 2010 could well turn out to be the best this estate has made in nearly a generation. Drink it over the next 20-15 years. -Robert Parker

94 points,

Wine Enthusiast, February 2013

Obviously wood-aged, with a smoky toast flavor, this is a wine that shows the power of Saint-Estèphe tannins in full force. At the same time, there is a blackberry character that adds richness and juiciness, which cuts through the dry core. Age for at least 7–8 years.

89 points,

Wine Spectator, January 2013

Features firm chalk and charcoal notes along the edges, with a mix of crushed plum and red currant fruit at the core. The bright, fresh finish lets the minerality meld with the fruit. Pure and focused, but shy on depth, this is a step back from this estate's recent progress. Drink now through 2021. -JM

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This item ships in Fall 2013

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