2009 Certan Marzelle

Readers looking for an unabashedly exotic, seductive, sexy Pomerol should check out this 100% Merlot cuvee from Christian Moueix. Its dark ruby/plum color is accompanied by an unbridled display of sweet black and blue fruits and spring flowers. Full-bodied and opulent with silky tannins and juicy fruit, this hedonistic wine should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 10-12 years. (Tasted once.)

Lively crimson. Very ripe red cherry notes indeed. A teensy bit soft and very sweet. Difficult to see the real core in this wine. Sinewy in a rather northern Rhône Syrah way. Easy but not the most ambitious Moueix Pomerol. Very fine tannins indeed. (JR)

Tasted at JP Moueix. Very fruit-forward and generous on the nose with aromas of blackberry, pomegranate, black olive and a touch of smoke. Fine definition and clarity. The palate is medium-bodied, grainy tannins, a little dryness creeping in to the finish. Moderate length. I would just like a little more vigour and depth of flavour here. Tasted April 2010.