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Wine Advocate
Author: Robert Parker
Issue: 186
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The 2006 Illustration, a blend of 86% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, offers sweet, smoky, cola, black currant, coffee, new saddle leather, cocoa, spice box, and tobacco characteristics as well as a lush, round, heady mouthfeel. The finish is filled with sweet, velvety tannins and lush fruit. Enjoy it over the next 12-15+ years.
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Shows lovely structure and finesse, offering currant and green olive aromas and appealing plum, sage and toasty vanilla notes that linger on the long finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Vinfolio
Author: Vinfolio Team
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A blend of 86% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and a mere 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 Illustration exhibits a beautiful dark cherry red, opaque color. The Merlot fruit is certainly the predominant force behind the nose with loads of blueberry, toffee, chocolate, violets, and a subtle hint of black licorice. On the palate loads of spices such as cinnamon and anise are followed by even more dark berry fruit combined with brambles, roasted meat, and just a touch of melted brown sugar. There is a lot of good structure and tannin to this "Pomerol" blend. After 20 months in French oak barrels, 82% of which are new, this luxurious red is a treat now but definitely something to enjoy for at least the next 10-15 years.
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