Tiny yields of 21 hectoliters per hectare produced a wine with 15% natural alcohol. The final blend was 73% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Quite backward, as if malolactic fermentation had just finished, this opaque purple-hued, large-scaled, massive effort reveals high tannins, high extraction and huge concentration. Everything is present, but this wine looks set for a long life and will not be as sumptuous or opulent in its youth as the 2009 or 2008. Forget it for 5-8 years and drink it over the following three decades.

Another fine effort from this consistent estate. Spicy, lifted aromas and deep colour give it a modern allure. Lovely volume of fruit. Powerful but refined tannins. Persistent.

93-95 Very minty character, a wine that shows polished wood, black currant and very perfumed fruits. It has a definite style to it, the tannins subdued by the very mint and eucalypt character. ——R.V.(6/25/2011)—— 94