Allen Meadows - Score: 92 (2018 Apr.)

Like the Bonnes Mares the VA isn't subtle on the red and dark cherry aromas that are much more sauvage-inflected. The succulent, round and impressively concentrated flavors are imposingly scaled with excellent power on the beautifully complex and built-to-age finish where once again the VA shows up in the form of a mild tanginess. I repeat my comment on the Bonnes Mares that this has all it needs for the long-haul but how well the balance will hold in over time is impossible to say with confidence.

Vinous - Score: 91-94 (2018 Jan.)

Bright red-ruby. Complex, soil-inflected scents of black raspberry, smoke, stony minerality, licorice and fresh blood. Plusher and sweeter at this stage than the Bonnes-Mares, and equally earthy in a positive way. Gains in thickness toward the back end, but the building tannins are a touch dusty and herbal. A more saline style of wine than the Bonnes-Mares.