Several points about this wine. Firstly, I don’t remember buying it, or the second bottle I found in my ‘to drink’ rack. Perhaps one of my mates brought them over for Thanksgiving when I was not here yet Moxie has no recollection of this occurring. Oh well, free booze is free booze.
Secondly, the cork on bottle #1 was badly stained, never a good sign. I sliced the second one open to see, it is safe. So…. I will write based on the fact that I suspect this wine to be flawed, which is a shame considering it’s heritage, reputation and price.


As you can see, pretty grim on the left side. I shall endeavor to open the other one soon so I have a fresh recollection. Anyway, back to the details. Mostly Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc make this more of a Right Bank blend which excites me. The wine is inky dark in the glass and unfortunately had a slightly oxidized nose of plums and blackberry. On the palate I was in for a surprise. The wine had survived nearly intact. Big juicy black berries and dark plums with a deft addition of the wood and some spices make this a full-on wine of great depth. The tannic structure is great with some dryness on the back end, right where it should be. I did not sense any imbalance but did notice a slight oxidized note on the finish. I am lucky this bottle showed so well, now if only I could find it’s source! I am giving a provisional 90 points and found it online for about $46. Potentially a 4 star wine for me, we shall have to wait for the re-taste to confirm. Salut….

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