Dense aromas of licorice tobacco cedar and currants. Subtle yet complex. Full-bodied with silky tannins and a rich long finish. Very pretty. One of the best from Pauillac this year and clearly better than 2001. One of the surprises of the vintage. Best after 2008. 20000 cases made. (JS)

Inky purple in colour, holding its shape and form right through to the core of the wine, and plenty of Pauillac character to the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant nose. Touch of smoked caramel, cassis and bilberry, the fruit is less nuanced than with the 2001 or the 2000, but this is packed with slate-textured tannins and juicy minerality on the finish. Woodsmoke and ash curl out of the glass as it opens. 70% new oak. Jean-Rene Matignon technical director.

This is an elegant deep ruby-colored wine with notes of sweet cassis cedar wood and tobacco with a hint of chocolate in the background. It is a layered moderately weighty wine with pretty even understated fruit flavors excellent concentration and a long finish with relatively ripe tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016.</P>