Slightly lower key (only 15.4% natural alcohol) is the 2009 Les Portes de l’Am, a blend from Bouscat’s best vineyard parcel consisting of 50% Merlot and the rest equal parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Densely opaque purple, with notes of incense, acacia flowers, blackberries and cassis, this is a sensational wine that could easily be a grand cru classe. All of it was made and aged in 320-liter demi-muids and bottled with very little SO2, although some was used. This is an amazing effort that needs to be tasted to be believed. Anticipated maturity: now-2020.These are all exclusives of the American broker/negociant Jeffrey M. Davies. There are three cuvees, with the Caduce replacing what was simply called their Cuvee Classique. This is a major over-achieving, 20-acre, south-facing hillside vineyard just in the shadow of Fronsac.