2006 Goulee

La Goulee tends to be a well-made Medoc meant to be consumed during its first 5-6 years of life. The 2006 exhibits attractive chocolaty, berry fruit intermixed with underlying earth tones. Firm tannin gives it a slight austerity, but it possesses very good depth and ripeness as well as a savory texture.

Remarkably deep crimson right out to the rim. Fresh even slightly tart nose. Definite green streak however hard they have worked to modify this. Sleek texture but pretty rasping tannins on the finish – in fine idiom. Very different from previous vintages – lacking the full ripeness and opulence of Goulée to date. (JR)

(based on an unusually high 80% cabernet sauvignon) Bright ruby-red. Red fruits, licorice, spices, bonfire and a light weedy note on the nose. Supple but firm, with a restrained sweetness to its flavors of dark berries, dark chocolate, leather and herbs. A fresh wine in a distinctly modern, layered style. Firm acids and serious tannins give this solid structural underpinning. (By the way, the lusher, riper 2005 will be a very good Bordeaux value at a retail price in the 30 range.)