2011 Clos Puy Arnaud

Pale rim but quite rich and ripe on the palate. Lots of life to the fruit but not that intense. This may well be GV. (JR)

This biodynamically run vineyard owned by Thierry Valette is planted with 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc on pure limestone. The 2011 is a backward, well-endowed wine exhibiting loads of black raspberry, blueberry and wild strawberry fruit, a dramatic crushed chalk-like minerality, a medium-bodied personality, and good acidity, freshness and depth. This 2011 will benefit from another 1-2 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 10-12 years given its level of concentration.

Deep cherry crimson. Very ripe fruit-cake aroma. Then much fresher tasting and extremely juicy on the palate. Acidity sticks out a bit on the finish. (JH)