2011 Clos Les Lunelles

This 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon blend from the limestone soils of Castillon is owned by Gerard and Chantal Perse, who also own such properties as Pavie, Pavie-Decesse, Monbousquet and Bellevue-Mondotte. Usually the reference point for Castillon, the 2011 Clos Lunelles boasts an inky/purple color along with a liquid chalk-like character that offers tremendous minerality, a boatload of tannin, and super richness as well as extract. This full-bodied, backward, formidably endowed red clearly over-performs. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following decade. Amazingly long, rich and impressive, it is a major sleeper of the vintage.

Eight hectares in Ste-Colombe with similar soil to Pavie Decesse (clay over limestone). Very dark, a little figgy on the nose. Same dark ripeness on the palate with chalky dense tannins. Dense, very firm and dry. Unyielding but plenty to come. Just fresh enough. Very thick texture says leave me alone. (JH)