Tasted at the chateau. I must say, I do like the clarity and precision on the nose, with blackberry, smoke, tobacco, a touch of black olives and a fine sense of mineralite. Elegant and refined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, harmonious with some lovely ripe cedar-infused Cabernet but at the same time restrained and focused. Like the 2003, there is a slight meatiness towards the tobacco and pepper-tinged, off-dry finish that leaves you salivating for more. This is unequivocally an excellent wine for the vintage. Drink 2012-2030. Tasted September 2008.