La Croix Saint Georges 2000

This was a great sleeper of the vintage in 2000 from producer Jean-Jacques Janoueix. A 100% Merlot cuvee coming from a nearly 12-acre vineyard situated between Vieux Chateau Certan and Le Pin, the 2000 shocked a number of people at the tasting, only because they had no expectations, and had never had the wine before. It wasn't a surprise for me. Inky blue/purple-colored, with notes of graphite, blueberry liqueur, smoke, incense, sweet licorice, and hints of chocolate fudge and spicy oak, this full-bodied, opulent, rich wine seems to just be entering its window of full maturity, where it should last for another two decades. Very impressive.

The 2000 has put on considerable weight. I would never have guessed it would become this rich, concentrated or compelling. An incredibly sweet perfume of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, new saddle leather, truffles, toasty oak and smoke soars from the glass of this full bodied, massively concentrated effort with an extraordinary finish. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020. Last tasted 03/02