75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc. From a small parcel of old vines near Angelus and Beausejour Duffau. Purple red color. This features aromas of game cigar box sweet cherry and other ripe red fruit. On the palate big structured tannins are a match for the acidity while dark chocolate and espresso bean flavors come through on the lengthy finish. Everything is in balance. From the Jonathan Malthus portfolio.

A spectacular effort from Jonathan Maltus, this inky/purple-colored, complex 2011 (made from 60-year-old vines and a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) offers up notes of graphite, sweet blackberry and cassis, and hints of earth, espresso, spice and chocolate. Already drinking well, this rich, layered, full-bodied St.-Emilion was cropped at a low 30 hectoliters per hectare. It can be enjoyed now and over the next decade. - Robert M. Parker, Jr