Another brilliant wine from the talented Jean-Philippe Janoueix, this blend of 68% Merlot and 32% Cabernet France produced a wine that came in just under 15% natural alcohol. Of course, the vineyard is near Clos Fourtet, and it seems as though a lot of properties in that band of terroir did incredible jobs in 2009. A big, black/purple-colored wine with notes of blackberries, licorice, graphite, truffle and some subtle, toasty oak, the wine is full-bodied and unctuously textured, with loads of glycerin, fruit, and a massive, velvety textured finish. This superb wine should drink well for 15 or more years.