The last vintage of La Clusiere before this tiny parcel of 45-year old Merlot was incorporated into the Pavie vineyard, the 2001 will be somewhat of a collector’s item. Dense plum/purple to the rim, it offers up an exotic, flamboyant smorgasbord of aromas including smoked meats, cocoa, mocha, blackberry and cherry liqueur, and incense. Fleshy, opulent, and full-bodied, with tremendous intensity as well as an admirable seamlessness, it will be undeniably captivating in 2-3 years, and should last for 12-15. It is only marginally less concentrated and profound than the perfect 2000.

Saturated ruby-purple. Roasted blackberry and cassis on the nose; shows a porty superripeness. Thick, ripe and sweet; impressively velvety but a bit undifferentiated in the middle. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and a note of grilled nuts. Could use a bit more verve. This highly concentrated wine will merit a higher score if elevage gives it more shape and grip.

Very, very deep colour. Overripe, raisiny notes. Caricature of a wine. Inky tannins. Pronounced acid. No! (JR)