This single vineyard cuvee from Jonathan Maltus is planted with 80-year-old vines that somehow survived the famous frost of 1956. Rooted in a thin layer of clay over limestone, they have produced a sensational dense ruby/purple-colored 2011 offering fragrant notes of forest floor, spring flower, lavender, creme de cassis, and a subtle touch of smoke. Broad, savory, rich and brilliantly executed, this wine can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years. The composition is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. - Robert Parker

The Les Asteries has a decadent spicy bouquet with macerated dark cherries almost honeyed fruit with hints of crushed strawberry and Chinese 5-spice. The palate is full-bodied with succulent liquorice-tinged fruit that leads to a weighty toasty finish that is balanced and long in the mouth. There is good persistency here and will appeal to those who enjoy a more "forthright" Saint Emilion. Tasted April 2012.