If you were trying to make a wine that ticked off all the boxes for a good-quality, solid-value, straight-down-the-line Bordeaux, this might just be the result, with the greatness of the 2010 vintage elevating it nicely. It showcases the two key varietals, Cab and Merlot, it presents all the key notes (cassis, graphite, mocha, earth, black pepper), and it has the sophisticated structure one expects from even middling Bordeaux. Sure, it's very good, very approachable, and very representative, but it seems manufactured, as if those behind it were trying a bit too hard, however tasty the result.