2000 Les Grandes Murailles

Deep vibrant crimson. Very full and arresting and deep and many-layered. Now this wine is exciting! It really sets the hairs on the back of the neck on end. Perhaps because partly of what it's not – over-manipulated – but also because of what it is – clearly a wine made by the vineyard. Lovely texture on the palate but a real edge of race and elegance despite its glorious ripeness. Good acidity there too. (JR)

Opaque purple-colored, the 2000 is even more impressive from bottle than barrel. A sleeper of the vintage, this expansive and dense wine exhibits impressive extract levels, beautifully pure blueberry, blackberry, and cherry characteristics with a liquid minerality as well as suave, well-integrated, toasty, espresso notes. Sweet tannin, medium to full body, and a long finish make for a sumptuous example of St.-Emilion. It should be accessible early. Glorious stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. P.S. This has the same proprietor (the Reiffers family) as such notable chateaux as Clos St.-Martin and Cote Baleau. Michel Rolland is the consultant for all three chateaux.

Roses, with berries and fresh tobacco. Mineral. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, caressing finish. Refined and beautiful. Hard not to drink now. Best after 2007. James Suckling,Wine Spectator 2003.