2010 Pott Cabernet Franc La Carte et Le Territoire

(a 70/30 blend of cabernet franc and merlot; usually it's the other way around): Good dark ruby-red. Youthfully tight aromas of blackberry, currant, minerals, bitter chocolate and violet. Densely packed and fine-grained, with harmonious acidity giving shape and lift to the cassis and bitter chocolate flavors. The pH is a high 3.9 but this Cheval Blanc blend does not lack for energy.