L'Arrosée 2010

A supple, lighter style of wine in 2010, the 2010 L'Arrosee is stylish and medium to full-bodied, with seductive notes of black cherries, cranberries and mulberries. Some oak is present, but this is a mid-weight, savory, broad and disarming wine to drink over the next 10-15 years.

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. The nose on the L'Arrosée is more reticent than its peers; yet well-defined and terroir-driven, unfurling in the glass with mineral-rich black and red fruit intermingled. The palate has a structured, mineral-driven entry with very well judged acidity. There is a lovely core of black tobacco-infused fruit and a very composed, complex finish. Excellent. Tasted January 2014.

Another fine effort from this consistent estate. Fresh and floral on the nose with well-integrated oak adding complexity. Long and linear in structure but rich on the mid-palate. Harmonious. Drink 2017-2020.

The dense ruby/purple-hued 2010 possesses copious notes of graphite, blueberries and black raspberry liqueur intermixed with subtle smoky oak. A more structured effort than other recent vintages, deep, pure, full-bodied and impressive, this property has regained its momentum over the last 4-5 years, and their 2010 is another powerful yet elegant effort that admirably translates its terroir. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades.

The L'Arrossée is a little muted on the nose but I appreciate the restraint and composure. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly chewy entry, but the tannins are solid rather than overbearing with a fine symmetry on the finish. This has good very potential...a well-mannered Saint Emilion that should offer great pleasure after bottling. Tasted April 2011