2009 Château Monbousquet

The 2009 Monbousquet has a refined and quite intense bouquet with pure blackberry, kirsch, Provençal herbs and sandalwood, firmly into secondary aromas territory but full of vim and vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, masculine in style with black fruit infused with tobacco and pencil lead. Gently fanning out towards the slightly rustic/brutish yet still very attractive finish with just the right amount of dryness. Drink over the next 6 to 8 years. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.

Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Monbousquet opens with intense scents of cigar box, new leather, espresso and Chinese five spice with a core of prunes, mulberries and baked cherries plus touches of garrigue and pencil lead. Full and richly fruited, with bags of spicy and savory layers, if has a firm rounded backbone and long, ferrous finish.

Tasted blind. Dense dark crimson. Light but fairly evolved nose. A bit drying – and hot – on the end. Tannins have overridden fruit here. (JR)