It is amazing how things have turned around for this tiny jewel of a property adjacent to Chateau Ausone. Production has been cut back and the selection process has become deeply serious as just over 1,500 cases were produced in this vintage. The dense ruby/purple-colored 2011 offers gorgeous aromas of kirsch, crushed rock, raspberries and subtle oak are followed by a medium-bodied, concentrated mouthfeel that suggests low yields and impeccable winemaking. A star of the vintage, it should be forgotten for 4-5 years and drunk over the following two decades.
Wine Spectator 2014 (92 Punkte)
A restrained, elegant style, with a core of pure cherry paste, accented by singed vanilla, lightly mulled blood orange, tobacco, chalk and incense notes. The long finish let's the chalky edge play out without overt austerity, revealing an echo of black tea on the finish. A classy, intellectual wine. Best from 2016 through 2028. 1,400 cases made. -JM
René Gabriel (17 Punkte)
Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Verhaltenes Bouquet, zeigt zuerst seine Tiefe in trüffeliger Form und erst dann etwas Frucht, zwischen roten und blauen Beeren variierend, ein Hauch Brombeergelée zeigt die Süsse des Weines an. Der Gaumen ist schon eher als mild zu bezeichnen, seidige Textur, Charme. Hat gute Anlagen und kann noch einen Punkt zulegen. 11: Bleit eher im schlankerern Bereich, rote Johannisbeere, rote Kirsche, wirkt wie ein junger Burgunder, feine Rasse.
