2005 Feytit Clinet

Good ruby-red. Sexy, ripe aromas of cherry, mocha and iron; very Pomerol. Suave, lush and sweet; not hugely concentrated but impressively spherical and inviting. Silky flavors of redcurrant, cherry and mocha. Broadens out impressively on the back end, finishing with fine-grained tannins. I find this very sweet wine accessible already.

This estate is coming to life again after a long period of mediocrity. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2005 Feytit Clinet is performing brilliantly, offering up notes of chocolate-covered blackberries, licorice, incense, and notions of earth as well as oak. A 1,600-case blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, from a 15-acre vineyard situated near Trotanoy, the 2005 is full-bodied and powerful with sweet but substantial tannin, good acidity, and a long finish. It will benefit from 5-6 years of bottle age, and should improve over the following two decades. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030.

Good full ruby. Complex, captivating aromas of black cherry, iron, mocha, toffee and minerals; I might have picked this blind as Trotanoy. Suave on entry, then silky and fine-grained as only the best merlots can be. Concentrated flavors of redcurrant and sexy oak. Finishes with very suave tannins and excellent persistence and grip. This well-placed chateau between Trotanoy and Latour a Pomerol has been seriously upgraded in recent years as the owners have assumed responsibility for managing the vineyards and have significantly reduced vine yields.