A tannic super-concentrated effort from Pichon-Lalande this is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon 34% Merlot 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot from yields of only 33 hectoliters per hectare (45 hectoliters in 2000). It possesses a saturated purple color in addition to a firm but promising bouquet of figs black currant liqueur licorice lavender and background smoky oak. Tannic classically structured exceptionally pure and layered as well as tremendously persistent and long in the mouth this will not be a wine to drink in its youth. Medium-bodied it will require 7-8 years of cellaring and should last for 20-25. It is a very impressive but structured effort from this famous estate.</P>

This has been a stubborn vintage from the beginning, with angularity to the tannins. At 19 years old they are beginning to soften and allow the blackberry and bilberry fruits to show themselves more clearly. There is plenty of Pauillac kick, with evident charcoal and crushed stone notes. Sweet cinammon, tobacco leaf and cedar come in through the mid palate. Good quality but lacking a heart-quickening moment. 3.76ph,