93(+?) Points | International Wine Cellar , July/August 2012

(100% done in barrels, one-quarter new):  Good bright yellow.  Aromas of soft citrus fruits and pineapple lifted by gingery spice and white pepper.  Strong pineapple and spice flavors show the oak, but there's plenty of supporting salty, iodiney extract to handle the lumber.  The mineral component builds impressively on the broad back end, leaving the salivary glands quivering.  This has turned out very well.  I should note that Billaud-Simon's oaked cuvees are nicely harmonious in 2010, so it may well be that I caught a couple of 2011s during an awkward stage of their elevage.