This sexy, seductive St.-Emilion is a combination of primarily Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc. Well-integrated acidity, sweet, velvety tannin, and a gorgeous bouquet of black fruits, earth, roasted herbs, cedar, and fruitcake make for a sensual, endearing wine. In the mouth, the silky texture, full body, and chocolate, black cherry, and licorice-infused blackberry flavors add additional opulence and voluptuousness to this beautifully pure, expansively flavored effort. Consume this sleeper of the vintage now and over the next 12 years.

Offers mineral, blackberry and currant on the nose. Full-bodied, with coffee, dark chocolate and berry character and a long finish. Silky and refined. Best after 2011. 3,750 cases made. -JS

Muted nose, blackberries. Rich and concentrated, dense but fleshy, plums, chocolate. Huge but ripe tannins. Good length.