20 Rene Gabriel
04: Sattes Purpur mit violetten Reflexen, mittlere Tiefe. Delikates, feines Bouquet, Veilchen und Cassis, wirkt verspielt in der Nase. Im Gaumen sehr elegant, feingliedrig, seidige Textur, dezenter Maulbeerenton im Extrakt. Zeigt sich momentan sehr schlank und wird wie immer in der Primeur-Degustation vielleicht etwas unterschätzt. (17/20). 09: Irgendwie jetzt schon Spass machend, viel Süsse, fast von wie eine halbsüsse Margaux-Crème zu trinken.
92 Wine Spectator
Fascinating aromas of berry, currant and toasted oak. Crushed dark fruits. Full-bodied and chewy with plenty of berry and vanilla flavors. Slowly builds on the palate, with big velvety tannins and a long finish. This is tight and tannic needing plenty of bottle age. Best after 2011. 7,915 cases made. ?JS
88 Robert Parker
I have a nagging feeling that this wine could be a lot better than it is, especially given the talent at the chateau. With an unusually high percentage of Merlot in the blend (40%, along with 53.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot), the 2003 exhibits an herbal, peppery, spicy nose, a dark plum/ruby color, good ripeness on the attack, a constrained, narrow mid-palate, and a moderately tannic finish. Additional stuffing, substance, and flesh would be beneficial. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 12-15. Manager John Kolasa told me the alcohol was an extremely high 13%, and that the 2005 is even higher at 13.5%.