This has a dark winey core of crushed plum pastis and steeped black currant fruit but it's framed by suave apple wood and tobacco notes and moves gracefully through the mineral-tinged finish. Best from 2013 through 2022.- J.M.

This is always one of the most fruit forward and seductive wines made in Fronsac and given its success in the marketplace there seems to be no reason to change that formula. The 2009 is a bigger wine than they normally produce given the vintage's higher alcohols and extra glycerin and density. This blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc hit an amazing 15% natural alcohol giving this wine a lofty heady tactile impression with loads of fruit and a sumptuous texture as well as plenty of blueberry raspberry and crushed chalk-like minerality. Mineral notes soar from the glass and flavors. It is medium to full-bodied wonderfully harmonious with low acidity and nothing out of place. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.