Monbousquet 2002

A strong performance in a difficult vintage, the 2002 Monbousquet (60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc) reveals abundant aromas of espresso, sweet black currants and cherries, damp earth, compost, and new oak. It is a medium to full-bodied, fleshy offering with light tannin as well as a long finish. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.

This is the home estate of Chantal and Gerard Perse, who have become the poster children for owners taking a less hallowed terroir and producing sumptuous, high quality wine. Readers should realize that Monbousquet is not meant to be cellared for 20-30 years. It is a beautifully made wine that has performed well in every blind tasting I have conducted, often out-scoring far more hallowed as well as expensive wines.

Drink 2008-14 Very sweet, very Merlot nose, very different from the best - perhaps this was the wine that smelt like Pinot Noir? Certainly tastes quite like Pinot Noir. Some tannins still. Sweet and rich.

This exotic blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc (8,000 cases produced) is a flamboyantly-styled, deep ruby/purple-colored effort offering up aromas of espresso, cocoa, jammy black fruits, earth/soil, and spicy wood. Dense, medium to full-bodied, and fat (for a 2002), with moderate tannin in the finish, it will be drinkable upon release, and should evolve for 10-15 years.