Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 99 points

A tremendous achievement by Hubert de Bouard, the 2000 La Plus de la Fleur de Bouard (a 420-case luxury cuvee) is a blend of 80% Merlot and the rest primarily Cabernet Franc and a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon. Filled with richness and intensity, with elegance, harmony, and poise, it is one of the top wines of the vintage. Sadly, very little is available. Approachable, with a velvety texture as well as abundant notes of blueberries, coffee, black currants, kirsch, smoke, and licorice, it is a massive, rich (but not heavy) wine that should drink well for another 10-15 years.

Review date: June 2010

Wine Spectator: 92 points

Super quality. Black color, with violet, crushed berry and tar. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a gorgeous, silky texture. Long finish. A super cuvée from this estate. From the manager of Angélus. Best after 2006. 290 cases made.

Review date: March 2003

Vinous: 91 points

(bottled in March of 2003) Medium ruby-red. Nose conveys a roasted ripeness, offering jammy dark berries, kirsch, chocolatey oak and a suggestion of menthol. Fat and sweet on entry, then quite powerful in the middle and closed on the finish. The huge tannins saturate the cheeks and teeth. With its 14.6% alcohol, this very long, superripe wine could hold its own alongside a very ripe Napa Valley cabernet. If the 2001 brings most of its color and stuffing into the bottle, it will surpass this big boy.

Review date: March 2003