This tiny garagiste St.-Emilion, 7.5 acres, is a blend of 51% Cabernet Franc, 46% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Proprietor Jean-Philippe Janoueix has fashioned a full-bodied, deep, concentrated wine revealing sweet notes of licorice, chocolate, espresso, cassis, and cherry. Long, dense, full-bodied, rich, and pure with enough oak and acidity to add complexity and focus, it should drink well for 12-15 years. Interestingly, this cuvee received a Burgundian-like treatment of malolactic in barrel after frequent pigeages in small oak fermentation tanks, an unusual upbringing in Bordeaux. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Shows aromas of berries and lavender, with a hint of mahogany. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and bright acidity. Long and juicy. Very attractive now. Best after 2009. 980 cases made. James Suckling

Farmyard smells which have a certain chunky appeal. Very sweet tannins, supple and round with follow through. Pretty impressive! Complete wine which delivers, even if the oak is a bit heavily sweet and worked.