Jancis Robinson
par Julia Harding MW le 16/04/2012
Drink 2017-2026
Second wine – and one which Mme Capbern-Gasqueton never showed on primeur – tasted after the grand vin because it was so different in style with majority Merlot: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. (St-Estèphe clay allowed the Merlot to ripen fully, without the interruptions due to hydric stress suffered by vines on gravel, giving powerful wines. Cabernets have finesse and silky tannins on the clay whereas the Merlot has power.) 30% of production.
Sweeter more plummy nose than the grand vin but still very fresh with just a hint of cedar. Denser and firmer and less elegant. More chocolate and less fluid freshness on the palate, though it is still fresh. A more gourmand wine for the second wine. Powerful but velvety. Less elegant, more rounded, less tension. More monolithic. (JH) 13.5%