Wine Enthusiast 90 points - Opening nosings detect concentrated, litchi nut, deep-roasted grain scents; aroma turns baked, buttery, oaky and almost brandy-like with aeration. Palate entry is integrated, sweet, and slightly peppery; at midpalate there’s a sweet oak/vanilla rush that backs off prior to the finish, leaving behind taste traces of spirity heat, vanilla extract, cake frosting, butter cream and resin. Evokes thoughts of Cognac, in particular, from the Borderies district. Best Buy. (Jun 2005)
