(70% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot and 2% cabernet franc; 13.2% alcohol) Very good deep ruby-red color. Pure, rich aromas of cassis, minerals and dark chocolate. Suave, intensely flavored and vinous, with ripe acids giving energy to the dense currant and menthol flavors. Vibrant and firmly built but not austere. Finishes with ripe, toothcoating tannins (the IPT is a high 83) and lovely lingering sweetness. This has a sizable structure for the year, and terrific potential longevity, but does not come across as musclebound today. 91-93 points Stephen Tanzer

After 2005, the superlatives were exhausted but the PichonBaron team put in a fine performance in 2006 and £500 lookslike a snip for a wine of this quality. It will need a full decade toreally sing its song but it should prove to be a classic Pauillacand another great example of what this terroir can produce inthe right hands.