This is another estate in Pauillac that has dramatically raised its performance level over the last decade. The 2012, from grapes harvested between October 2 and 17, has supple tannins and a nice mouthfeel that builds incrementally, offering up plenty of crème de cassis, plum and blackberry fruit. The wine is soft, round, opulently textured, and an undeniable success for 2012. The purity of fruit is also admirable. Drink this medium to full-bodied Pauillac over the next 20 years. This is significantly better than the barrel samples tasted in March, 2013.

Earthy, herbal, angular and somewhat weak in the mid-palate, this dark ruby/purple-colored 2012 exhibits attractive cassis and graphite aromas, but it tails off dramatically in the mid-palate and finishes with soft tannin. There is too much missing to make this an exciting offering.