A completely different blend than the 2010 (70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and a whopping 10% Petit Verdot) has given this wine lots of color as well as some firm tannins, a classy, earthy, blue and red fruit-scented nose, medium body and good spice. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.

This fresh, juicy red has a tangy edge supporting its red currant, cherry and plum fruit, laced with light, toasty vanilla. Firms up on a touch on the finish, but still offers solid flesh for the vintage. Drink now through 2014. 4,200 cases made. -JM

Good plummy red and black fruit bouqet. Firm fruit, lovely elegance and vineyard origin. A lovely elegant and aromatic, long finish. Excellent balance.

89-91 Barrel sample. Tight tannins, a firm, solid Saint-Estephe. There are black plum skins, dense fruit, and dark tannins which run right across the wine.——R.V.(12/31/2009)—— 90