Since 1987, this estate has consistently produced one of the most concentrated and complex wines in Bordeaux. The decision by Jean-Michel Arcaute and oenologist Michel Rolland to (1) limit yields, (2) harvest physiologically ripe grapes with an element of sur-maturitie, and (3) bottle the wine without fining or filtration has resulted in a bevy of splendid wines where the terroir and varietal composition are fully expressed. A saturated plummy color is followed by a wine with considerable fat, lushness, and power. One of the most concentrated 1993s, this wine is reminiscent of the gorgeous 1987 Clinet. The 1993 offers copious amounts of jammy cassis/cherry aromas and flavors intermixed with earth, truffles, and tobacco. Smoke and licorice also make an appearance in the wine's flavor profile. This is a delicious, complex, medium to full-bodied, surprisingly top-notch effort in a so-so vintage. Anticipated maturity: now-2012.

WA 90