In 2003, the terrific duo of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt along with David Suire and Julien Lavenu managed to exploit this property’s limestone hillside vineyards, which were less affected by the heat and drought than vineyards on St.-Emilion’s other terroirs – the gravelly/sandy soils. Sweet fig, plum, black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with balsam wood, underbrush and baking spice aromas jump from the glass of this opulent, rich, fully mature, luscious, seductive wine. This is Bordeaux at its sexiest. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.

You have to like the complex aromas of minerals, berries and tarragon. Tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a very pretty finish. Refined.