50% merlot 30% cabernet sauvignon 20% cabernet franc. 50% new oak for 12 months. Yields limited to 45 hl/ha; and average age of vines is 30 years. 14% alcohol. The complex nose of spring flowers and black fruit shows intense terroir expression of tar creosote and fresh turned earth. On the palate power and concentration emerge to showcase black fruit and dynamic earth tones. Medium bodied and medium to high in acid the wine is fresh on the palate and complex. The tannins provide a small grip to balance the fruit nicely. Claude Gros consults.

2010: A major sleeper of the vintage from this 100-acre vineyard near Cantemerle and Giscours the 2010 is a blend of 50% Merlot 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot produced under the guidance of well-known consultant Claude Gros. An opaque ruby/purple color is followed by sweet black raspberry black cherry and black currant fruit notes intermixed with notions of licorice and graphite. Medium to full-bodied and supple textured this sexy Bordeaux should be consumed over the next 5-8 years.

This shows something of Margaux’s—the neighboring appellation—delicacy, allied with firm, dry tannins. It has the dense structure and ripeness characteristic of the vintage, with a rich black-fruit flavor and acidity. It’s a wine for long-term aging.

Dense but fresh, with a saturated core of blackberry pâte de fruit, anise and plum sauce that races along with vibrant spice and graphite notes. The long finish shows cut and drive, with enough grip to cellar short term. Best from 2014 through 2019. – JM