This was a brilliant confirmation of the aging ability of this Haut-Medoc. A blend of 50% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, it possesses delicious black currant and blackberry fruit intermingled with notions of licorice and acacia flowers. Round, dense and fleshy, then proprietor Olivier Seze hit pay-dirt with this inexpensive effort. The wine is fully mature, so there is no reason to hold onto it.

This big (by Charmail’s standards), unfined, unfiltered offering possesses 13.5% natural alcohol, remarkably high for Bordeaux. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by a sweet cherry, blackberry, creme de cassis, smoke, and licorice-scented bouquet. Medium to full-bodied and pure, it is best consumed during its first decade of life.