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I had very high expectations for this wine.  It impressed me when I tasted it at the store from a nasty little plastic glass.  Its pedigree was also really intriguing.  This property is owned by the Cuvelier family, who also own the Bordeaux second growth property, Chateau Léoville-Poyferré, in St. Julien (one of my favorites).

I was also intrigued because with its composition of 60% Malbec, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot is a Bordeaux blend although Malbec is rarely seen in Bordeaux today.  Its boldness and an alcohol level of 15.5% make it present more like a big and bold new world wine, but the delicate  balance of traditional bordeaux grapes bring a grace and elegance that you rarely see in such a robust wine.  The grapes are hand picked, and Michel Rolland advises on the vinification.  After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine is aged in French oak barrels (about 50% new) where it remains unfined and unfiltered.

The fruit allows this wine to be drunk with great pleasure immediately although two years in the cellar would probably soften the tannin making it fun to drink.

This wine is simply packed with layer upon layer of flavor.  Beneath the fruit, you can detect notes of vanilla, liquorice, cedar, and chocolate.

This wine is simply delicious — and I will buy a case of this.  It is a real bargain at slightly over $20.  I rarely go wild with enthusiasm, but this wine is clearly one of my discoveries of the year.