"Opaque black-ruby. More brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and smoky oak, plus stony and mineral nuances; slight hint of exotic fruits. Lower-pitched than the '97, but with penetrating flavor and terrific vivacity. A floral note and a suggestion of chalky terroir contribute to the wine complexity. Finishes with firm but even tannins. Showing considerably more fruit complexity and personality than last year, when I tasted this wine in its several components. Thienpont expected to lig...

Rating for France-Bordeaux-Saint-Émilion: 87 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: too young, let it sit<br/>

2009-2020 89 85% merlot 14% cab Franc 1% cab sav