2007 Monbousquet

Blackish crimson. Very very ripe and purple-tasting somehow. Very sweet and smooth and rich and extremely ripe. Very unlike the rest of these wines. Much riper and with some rather drying tannins but with so much ambition you can almost hear it in the glass. (JR)

Full red-ruby. Expressive aromas of currant, espresso and tobacco leaf, with a lightly weedy herbal nuance. Then sweet and fine-grained but a bit youthfully taut in the middle, with harmonious acidity giving the wine a juicy quality. Finishes with broad, sweet tannins that will not get in the way of enjoying this wine soon.

A sexy blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the robust 2007 Monbousquet displays lots of toasty oak intermixed with sweet kirsch, blacker fruits, and spice box. Plush, medium to full-bodied, and supple textured, it is ideal for drinking over the next 7-8 years.