This complicated year taught us many lessons, as it diverged completely from the usual—perhaps overly simple—pattern of the great vintages. One might even wonder whether the heavy rains at the end of September, contrary to our fears, actually favoured the ripening of the cabernet sauvignon, as was likely the case in 1995.

Whatever the explanation, this vintage ended up producing a wine that will be remembered for its classicism and purity. Rarely has cabernet sauvignon reached such stylistic perfection and balance. Rarer still is the ability of a young wine, recently blended, to be so immediately impressive and moving—through the purity of its fruit, the density of its texture, and the harmony of its form. It is a dream of a Margaux, hard to resist now, yet endowed with immense ageing potential. (February 2025)