2009 Cap de Faugeres La Mouleyre

The new baby project from proprietor Silvio Denz is the 200-case lot called Mouleyre, which is from the best block in the entire vineyard. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc at 14.5% alcohol, the vines were cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare. In short, this may be the very finest wine ever produced in the Cotes de Castillon. Bottled unfined and unfiltered by consultant Michel Rolland, the wine has an opaque purple color, a gorgeous nose of graphite, black truffles, blackberry jam, incense, acacia flowers and forest floor. Layer upon layer of richness, an unctuous texture, impressive purity and a long, long finish make this a huge sleeper of the vintage and a major overachiever. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2023. Under new proprietor Silvio Denz, the wines from this property, as well as his Chateau Faugeres in St.-Emilion, have gotten better, even by the high standards maintained by the previous proprietor.