93 Robert Parker
From a mixture of sand, gravel, and clay soils, this unheralded terroir produces wines well-above its pedigree thanks to the extraordinary efforts of proprietors Chantal and Gerard Perse. The wines are given a 4- to 5-week maceration in both stainless steel and oak, and are aged sur-lie in new oak. The dark ruby/purple-colored 2003 offers up notes of smoky meats, melted licorice, jammy black cherries, spice box, earth, and cedar. This plump, fleshy, sexy, unfined, unfiltered wine represents a classic blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were 32 hectoliters per hectare, and the alcohol is 13.5%. Anticipated maturity: now-2016.
17 Rene Gabriel
04: Tiefes Purpur mit lila Schimmer. Traumhaftes, süss röstiges Bouquet; kompottartig, ausladend und mit Rumtopfnoten durchsetzt, Vanillestengel und ein Hauch Pralinen darin. Viel Souplesse im Gaumen, cremig und doch konzentriert, hochreife, kleine Beeren, sanfte Trockenheit im Finale, dominikanischer Tabak und viel Druck. Muss aber im Laufe der nächsten Zeit seine massiven Tannine noch verdauen. 17/20 2008 – 2016
90 Wine Spectator
Essence of blackberry here on the nose with a hint of cream. Full-bodied yet silky and refined, with lovely texture and length. Delicious and long. Gorgeous. Best after 2010. 7,000 cases made. ?JS