"Cask sample. Overtly oaky on the nose, with layers of toast and smoke. It's a very flattering style (perhaps deliberately, for this en primeur sample?) and the fruit definitely plays second fiddle to the oak. Even so, that fruit is ripe, attractive and plush. If the oak integrates more, which it likely will, then this has a lot going for it."
Richard Hemming MW 17,5+/20
"Full, embossed bottle 1,360 g. Undated cask sample. 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 24 months in 100% new oak!
Lustrous blackish purple. Strong nose of charred meat. This is distinctive all right… Very intense, concentrated sweet purple-fruit flavours. Cassis compote? Chock-full of ambition though the acidity on the finish makes it a less comfortable drink than many of its peers. It seems all scrunched up with ambition with a rather drying finish. It may well flower beautifully eventually but it's at a much more embryonic phase than many of its peers. Rather Pavie-ish at this point."
Jancis Robinson MW 16,5+/20
Quelle: www.jancisrobinson.com