($120-$179) Enticing aromas of boysenberry, cedar, espresso and roasted oak. Sweet, lush and broad in the mouth, with sappy berry and espresso flavors. This boasts the pliant texture and near-perfect balance of the vintage's best examples. Finishes with a fine dusting of tannins. Like so many 2001s, this is easy to taste today but may well close down in the coming year or so. "The 2001 is a smiley wine," says Pontallier, "while the 2002, though a bit stiff today, has more power and excellent aging potential. But neither ranks among our greatest vintages."

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A little more obvious sweetness on the nose than the Haut-Brion. A hint of yeast extract. Not as graceful as Haut-Brion. Solid and not disappointing but earthbound. Not quite ready.

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Performing well from bottle, Chateau Margaux's 2001, which is somewhat reminiscent of both the 1985 and 1999, is an elegant, seamlessly constructed effort with a deep ruby/purple color, and a beautiful nose of flowers, creme de cassis, blackberries, and cedar. A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, this forward, opulent beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years. This is one of the most elegant wines of the vintage.

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Subtle and very perfumed with floral, currants, minerals and berry aromas with a hint of toasted barrels. Medium- to full-bodied, with an outstandingly refined core of fruit and smoky, earthy, berry and almost meaty character. It's long and caressing. Could use a bit more fruit to be up with the other first-growths. 12,500 cases made.

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