A stunning effort from this property in St.-Christophe des Bardes, this 25-acre vineyard is planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Made in a flamboyant style for the vintage, it reveals a dense purple color along with an expressive, ostentatious nose of sweet cherry liqueur intermixed with creme de cassis, toast, spring flowers, incense, melted licorice, and chocolate. Full-bodied with high but sweet, velvety tannins, it is already approachable, but promises to develop more nuances over the next decade. It should last for 20+ years. Kudos to the proprietor and his wine consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt.

A simple wine, with berry and tobacco character. Medium-bodied, with a slightly austere, hollow finish. A little too much wood? Some bottle age will mellow this. Best after 2008.