Dense ruby/purple, with a glorious nose of blackberries, cassis, white flowers, licorice, and a hint of sweet oak, this seamless wine is a classic example of purity and symmetry. Combining power with charm and finesse in a deeply textured, rich, elegant, yet authoritatively flavorful style, this is a brilliant effort as well as a compliment to proprietor Christian Moueix. Sadly, there are only 1,500 cases of this fabulous offering. It displays a singular style reminiscent of a hypothetical blend of Cheval Blanc and L'Evangile, the famous St.-Emilion and equally renowned Pomerol situated across from each other. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.

Lovely ripeness and mouthfeel here, with youthful raspberry puree, plum sauce and blackberry reduction notes that are creamy and polished, cascading through a finish that picks up flavors of fruitcake and ganache but stays poised and restrained overall. Gorgeous display of fruit.—Blind 2000 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2015). Drink now through 2028. 1,500 cases made. — JM

I had this a few days ago with friends at Island Tang, my favorite Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong. It never disappoints and underlines how well top 2000 Bordeaux are now drinking, particularly top Pomerols. The polish and refinement are so beautiful with chocolate, dark berry, hazelnut and cocoa powder character. Full body, round tannins and a savory and juicy finish. Austerity with freshness. Drink now or hold for decades ahead.

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 2000 tasting in London and making a mockery of my primeur score! This is open-knit on the nose, well defined but lacking the same level of fruit intensity as the other wines in this flight: wild brambly blackberry, hot steaming espresso on a zinc counter and a touch of cracked pepper. Very smooth on the entry, some lovely savoury notes coming through with aeration, firm and bold structure, this is not a bashful 2000, a wine with ambition. Notes of graphite and then a saline tang towards the tannic, austere finish that lingers wonderfully. If anything, this wine closes up with aeration! Drink 2015-2040. Tasted March 2010.

Good bright ruby-red. Brooding, perfumed nose combines dark currant, graphite, minerals, dark chocolate and oriental spices. Dense, sappy and bright, with impressive penetration and freshness for the year. Intensely flavored and taut. Finishes with firm, integrated tannins and noteworthy length and finesse. This was quite tight a year ago in barrel but blossomed beautifully during its final months of elevage

Magnum. Sweet, rich, suave nose with glorious velvety texture but no exhibitionistic tendencies. Attractive scent of graphite – due to Cabernet Franc? (JR)