($70-$95) Perfumed, classy aromas of dark berries, spices, licorice and bitter chocolate; a real essence of Margaux. Rich but sappy, with cassis, blackberry, boysenberry and dark chocolate flavors nicely firmed by ripe acidity. Finishes long and firmly tannic, with excellent spine and grip. By far the highest of these three vintages in tannins.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Mid ruby with quite a bit of development. Warm and scented. But still reserved and without obvious distinguishing marks. Contained and far from super sweet or luscious. Refined with a dry finish. Easy to overlook as it's on the timid side. Good balance veering towards dryness on the finish.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

While the bottled 2000 still reveals a certain sternness in addition to tough tannin, it is sweeter and more expansive and flavorful. The dark ruby/purple color is saturated and impressive. With coaxing, notes of lead pencil shavings, black currants, earth, cedar, and spice box emerge from a relatively closed, firm, medium to full-bodied wine or, as the French would say, a classic vin de garde (for long-term cellaring). Although austere, it is a classic, authoritatively flavored effort that requires patience. I would like to see sweeter tannin and more flesh built into the mid-palate, but there is no denying the classicism and purity of this 2000.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Tight and muscular, with a solid core of fruit and racy tannins. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins, yet silky and refined. This is very, very toned and serious. A wine for long-term aging. 8,330 cases made.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio