2009 Château Faugères

Very dark crimson. Rather a refreshing green note(!) with some strong blackcurrant aromas. Seems rather messed around. Strange acidity. (JR)

Far more accessible is the 2009 Faugeres. Again, cropped at a low 18 hectoliters per hectare, but a different blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine boasts 14.5% natural alcohol, and both Stefan von Neipperg and Michel Rolland confer on the consulting. Full-bodied and dark ruby/purple, with a nose of graphite, pen ink, blueberries and black raspberries, the wine is deep, dense and pure, with a broad, savory texture and a long finish with no astringency. Drink this beauty over the next 15-20 years.

Dark crimson – very dark! The aromas struggle to leave this elixir. A hint of oxidation (presumably just a less than fresh sample so nothing to worry about). Very rich and sumptuous and taken-to-the-limit. But not excessively sweet, nor (just) too alcoholic. I think this is a wine over which an immense amount of care has been taken. Very dramatic. Not for traditionalists but certainly attention-grabbing. (JR)