2009 Fourcas Borie

A sleeper of the vintage, this blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Petit Verdot sports a label that could have easily come from a French brothel. The wine is rich, with glossy black cherry and black currant fruit, lots of spice, a plump, flashy, even flamboyant personality and a heady finish. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. This is made by Bruno Borie, the proprietor of Ducru Beaucaillou. It may be a sign of what a great vintage 2009 is that even a cool, backward appellation such as Listrac has made top-notch wines.

Bruno Borie of Ducru Beaucaillou recently acquired this property, and from a cold terroir that tends to produce severe, austere, fruitless wines, he has somehow managed to create a fat, fleshy, deliciously hedonistic 2009 from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Petit Verdot. A sleeper of the vintage, this lovely 2009 Listrac should sell at a low price. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. (Tasted once.)

First vintage. Was Fourcas Dumont. 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot. They want richness. Bruno’s mother was born and raised in Listrac and he didn’t want to pull out vines in Ducluzeau (which is still separate). Very full, rich and velvety. Round and sweet and almost rudely ripe. Alcoholic. Finishes a little drying. Rasping. Heady black fruits but very drying and a bit hot on the finish. (JR)