An exceptional vintage, and an exceptional wine, punching in quality at the top of the appellation. Beginning to close down at five years old, the fingers of the tannins are closing in, but the bright succulent berry fruits are fully on display underneath and this has slate, cigar box, graphite, the full St Julien toolbox, precise but unyielding, supremely confident. 80% new oak. Harvest October 5 to 20.