by Andrew Chalk
I suspect that this wine is at its best now as a sensorily telegenic showoff, rather than when it has aged but if I had a few bottles I would put some away and crack one open every five years for the next 20. The herbaceousness in the mouth is redolent of Napa but the French ownership contributes to the Bordeaux elements (cassis, cigar box) that give it breed.
TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Opaque, ruby core with purple rim;
Nose: Blackberries, cassis, showy, perfumy and effusive nose. Pencil lead, cigarbox, vanilla, resin, dark chocolate;
Palate: Intense cassis fruit, herbaceous flavors, grippy young tannins, perfume of rose petals roll around the mouth. Harmonious, complex finish.
Sample
