A top-notch effort from Jean-Philippe Janoueix, this blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc is a sleeper of the vintage. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet blackberry and black currant fruit, licorice, earth, and camphor notes, a fleshy, succulent mid-palate, and a ripe finish. A very good wine from a humble appellation, qualitatively it transcends its pedigree. Excellent value.