91 Mark Squires - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2007 GRAND VIN, reviewed now from bottle for the first time, is the best since the 2004, and a contender for the best yet, although let’s be conservative at the moment and check back in a couple of years to see where it is. It has good depth, relative to Castel's style, but simply exuberant, ripe and youthful fruit. In Castel’s style, it manages to meld that fruit into an elegant whole and show some complexity, too. There are touches of olives on the lingering finish, but the exuberant, young fruit cannot be ignored at the moment; it asserts itself and takes over. If Castel is by reputation somewhat elegant and intellectual, this wine, at least at this moment, is showing more sex appeal. This is one of those wines that manages to be elegant without being wimpy, and keeps on delivering flavor on the finish, which is succulent and crisp. The tannins are a bit prominent at the moment, but they are ripe and they should integrate beautifully. Expect this to become more sedate and harmonious with age. Drink now-2020."