2005 Maucaillou

A very strong effort from Maucaillou with loads of rich fruit, this wine (a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot) has a dense ruby/purple color followed by sweet black cherry and blackcurrant fruit intermixed with some underbrush and forest floor. Lovely, lush and impressive, it should be drunk over the next 10-15 years.

Cedary oak/blackcurrant aromas, with peppery herbaceous notes (rocket?). Fresh and fine but finishes a bit flat – sort of blunt tannins. (JH)

Full bright ruby. Black cherry and flowers on the rather cool, slightly raw nose. In a fruity if somewhat inky style, with flavors of cassis, kirsch and maraschino cherry framed by an edge of acidity. Finishes with substantial building tannins, but the tannins avoid coming off as hard.