Michel Gracia, a full-time sculptor, hits all the sweet spots on the palate with this brilliant effort made from microscopic yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare. The final blend was 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon (only 400 cases produced). This wine comes as close to the style of the famed Alain Vauthier’s Ausone as one will find in the appellation. Full-bodied with beautiful sweet blackberry and black currant fruit intermixed with forest floor, spring flowers, and graphite, it is a dense, rich, full-bodied effort without a hard edge to be found. Its nobility, refinement, and sweet tannins argue for immediate drinking, but I suspect many more nuances will emerge in 3-4 years. It should last for 12-15 years or more.

If you asked me to pick one of my favorite "garagiste" crus, then it would be Gracia. Here, the 2007 Gracia puts in a very creditable performance. The nose is clean and fresh with small red cherries, hints of fruitcake and soy. The palate is crisp and fresh with a fine line of acidity and a pleasing saline finish. It has the substance to suggest that it will continue to give pleasure over the next 3-5 years, possibly longer. Tasted March 2015.