The 2012 Richebourg Grand Cru is reticent at first, but opens to reveal broody, saturnine black fruit infused with wild heather and minerals. Yet it remains a tight aromatic fist. The palate is very structured with firm backbone, very masculine, fine acidity with a very tannic, very spicy finish. This will need a decade in bottle at least. This is truly a vin de garde. (NM) (12/2013)

This is even more reserved than the Cros and the cool nose requires aggressive swirling to liberate the gorgeously complex and highly spiced aromas of violets, rose petal, anise and clove along with cassis and plum scents. There is exceptionally good richness to the supple yet super intense and very serious broad-shouldered flavors that possess outstanding concentration before culminating in an explosive finish that is taut and even more persistent. This powerful and overtly austere effort is a true 'wow' wine but one that will most assuredly not drink well young. (1/2014)