2009 Clos Puy Arnaud

A major sleeper of the vintage, this biodynamically farmed vineyard was cropped at 15 hectoliters per hectare and the final blend is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. The alcohol scores a natural 15%. This stunning wine, with black/purple color, exhibits notes of blackberry, licorice, incense, forest floor and cedar along with a hint of toasty oak. The wine is opulent, even sumptuous in texture, has stunning purity and a provocative 45+ second finish. This is another over-achieving Castillon that should drink well for at least a decade or more.

Intense aromas of crushed blackberries and minerals follow through to a full body, with a solid core of fruit and beautiful tannins. Juicy and succulent. Well done

Tasted at a negociant. This has fresh black cherry and cassis notes on the nose that has a touch of warmth from the alcohol. The palate is very ripe, but not over-ripe, fleshy and modern with ripe blackberry and plum, with sufficient freshness on the finish to makes this an attractive Cote de Castillon. Fine. Tasted March 2010.