Monbousquet 1999

A remarkable effort for the vintage, the dense ruby/purple-colored 1999 Monbousquet exhibits a Port-like bouquet of superripe black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with scents of coffee, tobacco, and vanilla. Tipping the scales at a whopping 14% alcohol (extremely high for Bordeaux), this wine possesses an amazing texture, a mid-palate that you could get lost in, and a sensational 40-45 second finish. The exotic aromas, incredible texture, and abundant fruit are reminiscent of Pomerol's renowned micro-cuvée, Le Pin. The 1999 is even better from bottle that it is from cask. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2017. Last tasted, 1/03.

Monbousquet : The 1999 may be as spectacular as the 1998. One of the few 1999 blockbusters. a finish that lasts for 40+ seconds, this compelling effort is atypical for the vintage. Yields were a low 30 hectolitres per hectare. Some of the Merlot was harvested at a whopping 14.5% natural alcohol. Geez! Anticipated maturity: 2002-2018.