Another major sleeper of the vintage, this consistently well-made wine (another consulting job by Stephane Derenoncourt) has hit pay dirt. It came in at 14% natural alcohol, with a final blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Vivid, explosive black cherry and blackberry fruit intermixed with some subtle charcoal as well as loamy soil and tobacco leaf notes are all present in the complex aromatics. Full-bodied, fleshy, without a hard edge to be found, this velvety-textured wine is ideal for drinking over the next 2-4 years. Who said Bordeaux doesn’t produce terrific wines at low price points?

Grapey, with lots of mineral and floral aromas that follow through to a full body, with well-integrated tannins and a juicy, fruity finish. Love the raspberries. Excellent as usual. Score range: 90-93 -JS

Polished and direct, with a beam of black cherry preserves, blueberry and sweet spice notes, all framed with a cocoa edge. Shows solid flesh and good focus through the finish. Drink now through 2013. 6,250 cases made. -JM