A blend of 70% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier, over fifty year old vines, 50% vinified in oak, 8 years sur lattes, dosage 6 gr/l. On the nose the floral, citrussy notes of the Chardonnay dominate, but they are supported by a lovely Pinot spiciness; the palate is rounded but fresh, with a silky mousse and intense flavours which discretely display the long ageing; very good length.

Tasted blind. Quite light on the nose, hint of ripe green apple, lacks concentration relative to the tannic structure, feels a bit tired, drying tannins, not a lot of life left. Distinctly below par. It does retain its freshness on the second day.

Tasted blind. Lovely freshness of fruit, opens up beautifully, lifted, floral, only hints of tertiary development, a wine of finesse and elegance, firm tannins but silky texture, light celery notes, not really complex on the finish, but very good length.

Tasted blind. Quite a firm tannic structure, complete, more masculine than the previous wine, retains its fruit and shows nice tertiary development, mature but lively, showing well, dried fruit on the finish, good length.

Tasted blind. Magnificent. Very youthful appearance, such definition, power and finesse, black cherry, concentrated but transparent, brilliant fruit, incredibly youthful, potent tannins are perfectly integrated, impeccable balance and finesse, strawberries and cream, very good length.

Tasted blind. A broad and masculine style, clearly old vines, slightly dusty, spice box, somewhat rustic tannins, good ripe fruit, more power than finesse, hints of demi-glace and truffle, very good length.

Tasted blind. Lifted, floral, more advanced than the previous two wines, explosive floral and spicy aromatics, pepper, hint of white walnut, firm tannic core but also feels slightly fragile, silky, wonderfully fragrant finish. Beautiful now, do no wait too long.

Tasted blind. Rather dull appearance, quite stalky on the nose, slightly burnt, malty hinting at surmaturité, warm and ripe style, slightly volatile, a major disappointment. Perhaps it was a faulty bottle?

Tasted blind. Magnificent power and freshness and precision and energy, elegant and light on its feet, incredibly youthful, all silk and finesse, floral and fragrant, transparent, impeccable balance, amazing clarity of expression, excellent length. Clearly recognisable De Vogüé style. Chef d'oeuvre.

Tasted blind. Mature but lively appearance; mature claret nose, classic profile, good freshness and depth, cedar and graphite, slightly roasted Cabernet, elegant and refined, relatively light weight, good length. Better than its reputation, but feels older than its age, more like a wine from the early 80's.

Tasted blind. Sombre colour, good saturation, mature appearance; warm and spicy nose, good depth and concentration, powerful, rich and warm, fruity and fleshy, satiny, lots of smoked paprika, very good length.

Tasted blind. Half bottle. Mature but lively appearance; deep nose, vegetal, bright and sweet fruit, very youthful, light body, creamy, good length. Purchased en primeur, kept in a very cold cellar ever since (10°C, 100% humidity).

Tasted blind. Very mature and bricky colour; deep and warm nose, quite oxidative, rich and honeyed, cigar, lovage, fresher palate than the nose would suggest, liquorice, seductive, very good length.

Tasted blind. Sombre colour, mature but with a red core; extremely volatile nose; similar palate; good length. Faulty bottle.

Tasted blind. Mature but lively appearance; very fresh and leafy Cabernet nose, bright and sweet fruit, good depth; crisp and fresh and lively palate, light body, slightly floral, light tannins; good length. A good bottle, but not nearly as rich and impressive as it should have been.

Tasted blind. This was the ringer. Mature appearance; lively, spicy, complete but slender, wonderfully mature but without any signs of tiring, broad and luscious but fresh, lovely flavours and length.

Tasted blind. Fully mature colour; deep and rich nose, meaty, warm and spicy, garrigue, beef stock; rich and complete palate, resolved tannins, lovely freshness and balance, losing weight; very good length. Impressive but very untypical. We all thought this couldn't possibly be a Pauillac.

Tasted blind. Rich amber-golden colour; warm and deep nose, more raisins than honey, lots of new oak; powerful and concentrated palate, slightly resinous, intense rather than elegant; simple finish, good length.