October 8, 2020 - Bitter chocolate, plum, violets, and a good dollop of wood. It's rich and sleek, with a polished modern style with wood spice and stone fruits on the palate. Drinking at what I suspect is early peak. Some bitter tannins on back end give me some pause as to whether the wood will outlive the fruit. Overall, a well made in its style, but not in my wheelhouse. One glass was plenty. NR due to stylistic aversion
December 14, 2019 - Great fruit apparent on the front end, stepping aside to reveal great structure, and minerality. If you are consuming with dinner a slightly saltier dish will help once the fruit starts to subside... the salt actually enhances the remaining fruitiness.
June 15, 2017 - I wanted to spend more time with this wine ( I first tried it in France with some friends who predicted a great future), but was unable on this night. I think it would get much better with air. From an excellent right bank vintage, a big wine with abundant material, but very tight and not showing much at this stage. Seems to have a long life ahead, but there is a certain modern influence (oak) here that makes me worry about its ability to gain complexity, but only time (or perhaps a long decant) will tell. It seems to have plenty in reserve.
February 27, 2017 - midbodied, black plum and cherry, leather, earth. Nice ripe balanced Merlot. B/B+
April 11, 2016 - Black fruits, a little ferric note, a bit short for a RB from ‘98. B-
February 8, 2016 - Black fruits, herbs, a little coffee. Midbodied, smooth tannins, easy and popular. B
November 19, 2014 - maller framed for a 98 RB, but there’s enough grip to keep it interesting. Dark berries, ferric notes, some leather and mocha. Could use a bit more length, but a nice wine for dinner. No need to hold this, drinking well now, B
September 3, 2014 - Midbodied, black and red currant fruit, earth, just a hint of oak. Easy drinking, good for a cheap '98 St. Emilion. B
April 18, 2012 - One of the best QPR.
December 31, 2008 - Decanted and poured within an hour, this little-known 1998 right-bank gem surprised. I bought it at the last minute in place of a sold-out Canon la Gaffeliere 1998. As one who has consumed a fair number overrated wines, I consider this to be an underrated buy.