2004 Sociando Mallet Cuvee Jean Gautreau

The 2004 Cuvée Jean Gautreau is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot picked between September 27 and October 14. It has a fresh, engaging bouquet of raspberry confit, tobacco and slight caramel scents, then juniper berries later on. The fresh palate is medium-bodied with very fine delineation, a crisp line of acidity and good tension. This 2004 improves with aeration and the finish has the salinity to urge you back for another sip. I was not expecting this to be as good as it is. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.