This has a hearty, slightly rugged core of dark currant, plum sauce and fig paste, while the edges are polished and racy, with alder wood, sweet spice and anise providing a nice contrast through the finish. Shows better purity than in some previous vintages. Drink now through 2014. 600 cases imported. -JM

Deep, dark and concentrated with serious notes of blackberry, cassis and plum flesh all laced with a menthol edge. Accents of fruit cake and sweet spice dance in the finish. Balanced and full in the mouth, the fine but present tannins and moderate acidity offer the promise of longevity; drink now–2015.——L.B.(11/1/2011)—— 90