2006 Chateau Pape Clement Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6×1.5L

Vinous 93

Full ruby-red. Superripe, highly complex aromas of plum, cocoa powder, tobacco and warm stones. Big, plush and chewy, with compelling sweetness and generosity of texture to the flavors of plum, minerals, tobacco and woodsmoke. Has the sheer stuffing to support the serious, building but noble tannins. Finishes with superb palate-staining persistence. This may well shut down in bottle, and should age well for the next two decades, but it’s a knockout right now. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2009]

Robert Parker 92

A clear garnet core with deep ruby rim. The nose is very well delineated with blackberry, black plum, crushed stones, a touch of Hoi Sin complemented by touches of liquorice and violet. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and picking at straws, a little too sweet for my liking vis-a-vis the structure. Drying tannins, a lot of extract here, quite rigid but very linear and focused on the finish. Still backward and very youthful, I would recommend cellaring this for five or six years. Drink 2017-2035. Tasted July 2010. [Neal Martin, 07/01/2010]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035

JancisRobinson.com 15.5

Very deep. Smooth and polished, but very forward. Not desperately refreshing. This seems to be going downhill already? [11/07/2008]

Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016