Hints of chocolate, coffee and vanilla from new oak highlight the black cherry and plum flavors. Rich, round and polished, with a core of sweet fruit, terrific balance and a long, lingering finish. Approachable now, but will improve with age. Best from 2014 through 2033. 160 cases made. –BS

(BH91-93 points) A more deeply pitched nose of earthy and spicy dark berry fruit aromas dissolves seamlessly into rich, full, vibrant and sleekly muscled flavors that are textured, round and, as one would expect from this cru, completely serious. This is a delicious effort with fine depth and precision and about the only surprise is that it resembles the Maréchaudes in that it is very suave and well-mannered for a Clos du Roi, not that good manners is a flaw!