2006 Jean Gautreau Haut-Médoc

The 2006 Cuvée Jean Gautreau is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Merlot picked between September 18 and October 4. The bouquet is far superior to the 2005, displaying better fruit intensity and purity to the flavors of blackberry, wild hedgerow and a touch of cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, brisk black cherry and blueberry fruit and a structured, tobacco-tinged finish that lingers long in the mouth. This is certainly the one I would pick over the 2005. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.