Fresh saturated ruby. Liqueur-like aromas of blackberry, black raspberry and plum, complicated by nutmeg and clove spiciness. Sweet, supple and oaky in the mouth, with enticing, lush black fruit flavor. Firm acidity gives the flavors excellent clarity and freshness for the vintage. Finishes ripely tannic and quite long for the vintage. The merlot vines here were harvested on October 5 and 6, says Nicholas Thienpont, "exactly a month after Pavie, a neighbor of ours."