2009 Lusseau

The cellarmaster of all the Gerard Perse properties, Laurent Lusseau, makes a small quantity of hedonistic St.-Emilion from a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009, which only has 13.8% alcohol (relatively modest by the norm in this vintage, particularly on the Right Bank), is a dark ruby/plum-colored wine with notes of sweet raspberries, black cherries and even a hint of strawberry jam. Some licorice, forest floor and underbrush are also present in this medium to full-bodied, silky-textured, lush wine, which is meant to be drunk in its first decade of life.