2009 Les Gravieres (Barraud)

Tremendously underrated from barrel several years ago, the 2009 Les Gravieres is the best wine proprietor Denis Barraud has ever produced. Yields were not terribly low at 38 hectoliters per hectare, but this wine (made with 100% Merlot and finishing at just under 14% alcohol) has a spectacular, even flamboyant nose of pen ink, graphite, blackberry and black currant liqueur along with hints of subtle smoke and burning embers. On the palate it is full-bodied, with outstanding intensity, a skyscraper-like mid-palate that goes on and on, and an extravagant, even luxurious finish with silky tannins and low acidity. Drink it over the next 15 or so years. Bravo!