Good bright medium ruby. Dark berries, bitter chocolate and sexy smoky oak tones on the nose. Fat, full, concentrated and lush, with strong soil character and sound vinosity, giving the wine a chewy texture. Denser than the 2001. Finishes long and spicy, with ripe, suave tannins.

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Only the fourth vintage for proprietors Francoise and Alain Raynaud, this wine comes from an old vineyard (the vines are among the oldest in St.-Emilion) within the city of Libourne. A cutting edge vinification with cold maceration and aging sur lie, stirring of lees, and an obvious respect for the terroir and the goal of capturing the essence of a vineyard have all been lofty goals of the Raynauds. The powerful, multi-layered 2000 should rival 1998 as the finest Quinault produced. It boasts an opaque purple color as well as a gorgeous concoction of crushed blackberries, blueberries, and black currants intermixed with violets, licorice, and subtle smoky oak. It cuts a broad swath across the palate with an expansive chewiness in addition to terrific concentration, purity, and overall equilibrium. In spite of that, it is remarkably light on its feet. It is hard to find fault with this wine, making the cascade of local criticism of Raynaud all the more difficult to comprehend.

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Complex aromas of earth, spice, meat and berries follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a long, delicious finish. Reserved and full of finesse. 5,415 cases made.

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Excellent. Very structured and heavy in the mouth. Opened up after first two glasses revealing soft, silky tannins, crushed berries and suttle toasted oak. I would give this another 1-2 years of cellaring.