($50-$68) Bright medium ruby-red. Exotic black fruits and spices on the nose, with notes of chocolate, smoke and game; showing its 29% merlot component today. Rich, broad and chocolatey; sweet, creamy and superripe. A big, mouthfilling vintage for this chateau, combining a classic Pauillac medicinal character with the chocolatey ripeness of the vintage. Thick but nicely delineated, finishing with very broad, sweet tannins and excellent length. Like a more refined version of the 1990, says Francois-Xavier Borie.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Mid ruby. Firm and, for the first time in this tasting I find myself writing the word 'mineral'. Sweet and pleasing and at first I wondered whether it was almost at its apogee, but it still has slightly aggressive acid and tannin on the palate. It's far from subtle but it does deliver. Quite marked acidity. Not the most luscious 2000 but very solid. Probably needs a bit more time.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

This large-scaled wine has a saturated ruby/purple color and a big creme de cassis nose, with a hint of licorice and tobacco. Still somewhat closed, this deep, full-bodied, luscious, muscular offering exhibits ripe tannin, loads of fruit, and tremendous purity. This is a gorgeous example of one of the most popular wines in the Medoc. Its savory tannin and low acidity suggest it should be close to its plateau of drinkability in 4-6 years.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Very racy. Licorice, berry and lead pencil, with flowers. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long finish. Very fine indeed. 15,830 cases made.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Very good.