The wine is an impressive blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, made under the supervision of Hubert de Bouard. I don’t think Clos La Madeleine has ever made a better wine. This 2009 has liqueur of dusty chalk intermixed with red and black fruits, hints of blackberry and black cherry, and loads of full-bodied opulence yet great structure and definition. This is a sleeper of the vintage and a personal best for Clos La Madeleine, long under the radar of wine consumers. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035. The best wine ever made from this tiny 8-acre vineyard, on a brilliant terroir just below Belair-Monange and Magdelaine, yields were 32 hectoliters per hectare.

The wine is an impressive blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, made under the supervision of Hubert de Bouard. I don’t think Clos La Madeleine has ever made a better wine. This 2009 has liqueur of dusty chalk intermixed with red and black fruits, hints of blackberry and black cherry, and loads of full-bodied opulence yet great structure and definition. This is a sleeper of the vintage and a personal best for Clos La Madeleine, long under the radar of wine consumers. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035. The best wine ever made from this tiny 8-acre vineyard, on a brilliant terroir just below Belair-Monange and Magdelaine, yields were 32 hectoliters per hectare.

Aromas of minerals, flowers and cool fruit, follow through to a medium-to-full body, with well-integrated tannins and a racy tannin structure. Try in 2014.

This toasty, spicy red shows cocoa, mineral and tar notes that accent a modest core of plum and blackberry. This has modest tannins and enough acidity to keep it lively. Drink now through 2018. 750 cases made. -TM

Firm, linear, the limestone terroir evident. Dark fruit notes. Built for ageing. Drink 2016-2025. (16 points)