Refine nose of ripe fruit with floral overtones. Superb and juicy entry leading to a detailed and wonderfully tasty palate boasting glamorous flesh. The wine takes its time on the mid-palate then picks up power and taste. Great sappy finish backed by fine-grained tannins and hints of spice coming through in the persistence. 94 points

The Grand Vin is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, cropped at 29hl/ha. It has a comparatively luscious bouquet for the vintage with layers of ripe dark cherry and cassis fruit on the nose that are cloaked in vanillary new oak. It possesses an almost Burgundy-like purity. The palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannins, perfect balance and wonderful composure. The acidity is nigh on perfect, the focus and delineation beguiling. There is no explosion on the finish, just unbridled finesse. Outstanding. 93-95 points

Its bigger sibling, the 2011 Ausone increases the level of intensity, elegance, complexity, richness and length. Nearly a mirror image of the La Chapelle, just with more going on, the Ausone boasts a more saturated purple color, and the wine has everything in large, intense proportions. The finesse and delicacy of all its components are what make it such a remarkable wine. The quality of the tannins and purity of the fruit make this another legendary effort that should age for 30-40 years. 95+ points