A rich, expressive, slightly showy style, with waves of cassis, creamed raspberry and boysenberry fruit racing forth, backed by a polished yet ample structure. The long, licorice- and ganache-framed finish packs on weight as it moves along, yet stays defined and pure. Impressive. Best from 2022 through 2040. 9,333 cases made. –JM

The 2015 Monbousquet showed much better this go-round (it was incredibly oaky last year) and is another rocking vintage for this cuvée. Beautifully ripe, full-bodied, opulent, and undeniably hedonistic, it’s loaded with notions of blackcurrants, licorice, dried herbs, chocolate and earth, with just subtle background oak. Despite all the upfront fruit and charm, it’s balanced, has a stacked mid-palate, and considerable elegance. Drink it over the coming decade or more.

Blended of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in French oak, 70% new, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Monbousquet simply sings even at this youthful stage with notes of crushed black cherries, mulberries and cassis with touches of lavender, cloves, Sichuan pepper and roses. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is finely textured with wonderful elegance and impressive depth, offering up perfumed black berry layers and a long finish that whispers fragrant earth suggestions.

Monbousquet 2015 is deep garnet-colored. It bursts from the glass with flamboyant scents of baked black plums, black cherry compote, and fruitcake, followed by suggestions of Indian spices and cigar box. Full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, the palate is coated with black berry preserves, framed by chewy tannins and impressive freshness, finishing spicy.

This is a big, silky, damson-strewn experience. There is a welcome sense of restraint on the finish, and a flush of freshness which brings balance to what is an extremely muscular wine. The gravel soils have brought out the power of the Cabernet, and this is classic Monbousquet territory. 70% new oak.