A notably ripe yet still extremely fresh nose where the fruit is primarily red and admirably layered merges seamlessly into dense, concentrated and exceptionally textured medium weight plus flavors that despite the size and weight retain a fine sense of delineation on the powerful but harmonious finish. This is a truly amazing villages with some of the best underlying material I've seen in this vintage at this level. This beauty should reward 8 to 10 years of cellar time and then drink well for another decade.

Bright ruby-red. Reticent aromas of black raspberry and cocoa powder, with a piquant note of cassis bud. Denser than the Evocelles but even more tightly wound and less sweet today. This rather powerful, minerally wine is hiding its sweetness today but holds out considerable promise. Finishes with serious tannins. "Always tough in the early going," notes Dugat, who suggests giving this two or three hours in a carafe if you plan to pop a cork anytime soon.

50+ yr old vines, plantings as old as 1910. Very deep. Lovely fresh aromas and crunchy fruit. Solid on the palate but great, fine, sturdy aromas. Stolid but should be impressive eventually. Bone-dry. Fine tannins, slightly leathery. (JR)