St-Julien was spared the hail storms that occured in early September, unlike St-Émilion, but it still had to deal with the rain that arrived mid-month, just as harvests were getting underway. To be honest this was the wine I was most expecting to be underpowered, but there is a well-defined, supple frame here holding the cassis fruits. They lack a density that you will find in 1996 or 2000 Beychevelle, but this is in a great drinking window right now with soft and fully integrated tannins, and the classic St Julien sense of balance. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend.