Wine Advocate
par Robert Parker le 28/04/2010
Yields here were 30 hectoliters per hectare, and the
final blend 85% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and the
rest Cabernet Sauvignon. The dynamic duo of
Stephane Derenoncourt and Nicolas Thienpont
produced nearly 4,000 cases of wine from this terroir,
which has been promoted to a first growth in the St.-
Emilion hierarchy. The 15% natural alcohol is rather
shocking, because it is not the least bit noticeable. The
wine is inky purple-colored, with loads of viscosity, an
unctuous texture, and an enormous nose of charcoal,
graphite, blackberry liqueur, and forest floor in a fullbodied,
seamlessly constructed style. At the same
time, the impression is one of a very unevolved,
backward wine that has even more weight to put on
and more nuances to reveal. I think this is one wine
where the “plus” in the numerical rating will be very
revealing. Forget it for 5-7 years and drink it over the
next 30-40 years. (Tasted five times.) Drink 2015-2055. (94-96+) points