This nearly 12-acre parcel on sandy gravelly soils is planted with 100% Merlot. Made by proprietor Denis Baraud the 2003 is a surprisingly strong effort from a soil type that often suffered in this vintage. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as a fragrant perfume of black cherries blueberries smoke and a hint of new barriques. Complete in the mouth with full body nicely integrated acidity tannin and alcohol and a long heady reassuringly deep persistent finish the 2003 possesses 13% natural alcohol. That component along with its 100% barrel aging has been soaked up beautifully by the wine's fruit. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.