This enticing project was instituted by the Bordeaux negociant, Bordeaux Millesimes, under the moniker of “Once Upon a Wine.” Each year a wine will be made based on one parcel of vines from Chateau d’Arsac, and the concept involves one of the world’s most respected winemakers for each vintage. Denis Dubourdieu was chosen for 2006, following the debut vintage, 2005, made by Michel Rolland. Approximately 5,000 cases will be produced in each vintage. Professor Dubourdieu fashioned a dense ruby/purple-hued wine displaying notes of black cherries, cassis, licorice, pain grille, and earth. More structured than the 2005, with less sweet tannin, it is richly fruity, deep, medium to full-bodied, and impressively endowed. The 2006 Cuvee Number Two should drink well for 15 or more years. These wines are meant to be a cinematic study of the same terroir with the philosophy of the winemaker imprinted on each vintage, and the winemakers are given carte blanche authority to do whatever they want. It will be fascinating to compare these offerings as they evolve, but there is no doubt that some of the world’s greatest winemaking talents are being lined up to continue this creative concept.
