2010 de Sales

Good medium ruby. Blackcurrant, violet and a dusty mineral note on the deep nose. Dense, lush and chewy, offering, pure, precise dark berry and floral flavors. Finishes broad, saline and very long, with a density of texture and a degree of fruit concentration that I have never before found in De Sales--and that I didn't even think was possible in view of this estate's very sandy soils. Without doubt the best wine ever made by owner Bruno de Lambert. Well done.

Offers soft, pure, unadorned plum and raspberry fruit, with a lightly chalky minerality. Fleshes out nicely as it airs in the glass. Tasted non-blind. —J.M. James Molesworth, winespectator.com

Tasted at the Syndicat de Pomerol. There is some greenness on the nose of this de Sales though it has attractive purity and definition. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, lacking a little fruit towards the dry, very herbaceous finish. Tasted April 2011. Neal Martin erobertparker.com