The finest Larmande I have ever tasted, this sleeper of the vintage is a seamless classic that transcends its terroir and pedigree. The 2001 Larmande exhibits a deep purple color as well as a striking perfume of charcoal, black currant and cherry liqueur, incense, and vanillin. Medium to full-bodied, with a sensational mid-palate, wonderful persistence, and a beautifully balanced style, it can be drunk young or cellared for 10-15 years. Bravo!

Similar nose to the 1999. Well-defined with ripe plums and blackberry. Very sweet palate with copious amounts of sweet juicy (not jammy) black fruits. Well-knit super-ripe tannins - all very opulent and stylish. Quite a modern style of Saint Emilion but one of the classier examples. Drink from 2010.

Saturated ruby. Ripe, liqueur-like aromas of blackberry, violet and Valrhona chocolate. Fat, supple and ripe, with lovely sweetness and flavor intensity in the middle palate. In a somewhat chunky style, with good size and richness for the year. Finishes with ripe, dusty, tactile tannins and lingering sweet berry flavors.

Very, very deep purple. Patisserie nose, but pretty hollow. Dry finish. (JR)