A luxury cuvee culled from the large Faugeres vineyard, Peby-Faugeres is a nearly 100% Merlot made from 45-year-old vines planted in limestone soils. The wine’s upbringing is similar to that of a well-crafted Burgundy, with malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees, and no clarification at bottling. It has been a huge success since it debuted in 1998. Even better from bottle than it was from cask, the intense, deep purple-hued 2003 offers a big, sweet nose of blackberries, creme de cassis, creosote, coffee, and flowers. Full-bodied and opulent with low acidity, huge glycerin and flavor density, and a spectacularly long, flamboyant finish, this exotic, intense St.-Emilion reflects this interesting vintage. Anticipated maturity: now-2020+.