"This big (by Charmail’s standards), unfined, unfiltered offering possesses 13.5% natural alcohol, remarkably high for Bordeaux. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by a sweet cherry, blackberry, creme de cassis, smoke, and licorice-scented bouquet. Medium to full-bodied and pure, it is best consumed during its first decade of life." -Rated 88-90, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"(a blend of 48% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 20% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot) Medium ruby. Cassis, licorice, bitter chocolate and some hints of superripeness on the nose. Then dense, succulent and gutsy, with fruit-driven flavors of currant, raspberry, licorice and chocolate. On the soft side, yet the flavors are nicely primary. Finishes with fine, building tannins." -Rated 88-91, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar