This is a joint venture between some awfully big names in wine—Croser, Cazes and Bollinger—and the wine is very good. The bouquet shows off the expensive French oak barrels (smoke and cedar), while the palate impresses with its creamy texture and supple tannins. At this stage, though, the flavors lack complexity and nuance, blending black cherry and plum with smoke and vanilla. A good first vintage—let’s hope subsequent releases are even better.——J.C.(5/1/2007)—— 89