The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cepages is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot. A big sweet kiss of incense, bay leaf, white chocolate, black cherries, black currants and a touch of smoke jump from the glass of this opaque purple-colored wine. Rich and concentrated, this comes across as one of the best vintages I have tasted of Cinq Cepages. There are still some light tannins in the finish and this wine, while clearly entering its period of maturity, has at least another 15 years of cellaring potential.

Firm and intense. Has solid structure, depth and complexity, with a mix of sage, dusty berry, currant and cedary oak. Ends with dry, austere tannins. Best from 2009 through 2013. 13,425 cases made. -JL