2006 Château de Reignac

It is remarkable what Yves Vatelot can accomplish at this estate, which is only entitled to an Appellation Bordeaux Superieur designation. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, the super-impressive 2006 boasts a dense purple color as well as a bouquet of sweet creme de cassis, spring flowers, toasty oak, and background forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, richly fruity, and pure with an alluring texture as well as length, it should drink nicely for 5-10 years.

Not as deep a purple as in some years. Hint of sawdust but pretty voluptuous fruit on the palate by 2006 standards. Good liveliness and tannins just this side of unmanageable. Still pretty severe though. Inky end. If the tannins soften this may well become much better balance but at the moment they look as though they will always completely dominate the fruit. (JR)

It is remarkable what Yves Vatelot can accomplish at this estate, which is only entitled to an Appellation Bordeaux Superieur designation. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, the super-impressive 2006 boasts a dense purple color as well as a bouquet of sweet creme de cassis, spring flowers, toasty oak, and background forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, richly fruity, and pure with an alluring texture as well as length, it should drink nicely for 5-10 years. Feb 2009, www.robertparker.com