(BH92-94 points) A spicy, fresh and impressively pure nose features notes of plum, violets and cassis while being framed in a backdrop of moderately toasty wood. There is good power and plenty of size, weight and muscle on the big-bodied flavors that exude plenty of mouth coating dry extract that also serves to buffer the very firm tannic spine on the strikingly persistent finish. This is terrific and worth considering.

(WA90-92 points) From the domaine’s 1.5-hectares, the usual 20 barrels was reduced to half for the 2012 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru. It has an opulent, vivacious bouquet with small dark cherries, blueberry and creme de cassis that is deliriously gorgeous. The palate is sweet on the entry with fleshy boysenberry and bilberry fruit. There is good presence and length here, although it needs just a touch more nuance on the finish. Always a solid performed, this comes recommended. - Neal Martin