2010 Clos Saint-Julien

Spring flowers, blueberries, raspberries and lots of crushed, chalky rocks are all present in the striking but restrained aromatics. The wine hits the palate with a crescendo of power and richness as well as unctuous texture, but then closes down as the tannins assert themselves. This very promising, uncompromisingly classic wine from proprietor Catherine Papon-Nouvel needs 7-8 years of cellaring and should keep for three decades. Not far from the more famous Chateau Soutard , this tiny, just under three-acre vineyard sits on pure limestone soils. The 2010 has terrific potential, so please pay attention to the -plus- in the score. Cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare and aged in 100% new oak, it is a powerful wine at 15.4% natural alcohol, a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot that acquits itself well.

Spring flowers, blueberries, raspberries and lots of crushed, chalky rocks are all present in the striking but restrained aromatics. The wine hits the palate with a crescendo of power and richness as well as unctuous texture, but then closes down as the tannins assert themselves. This very promising, uncompromisingly classic wine from proprietor Catherine Papon-Nouvel needs 7-8 years of cellaring and should keep for three decades. Feb 2013, www.robertparker.com