Sylvie Pourquet owns this property and has produced a wine of 70% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Michel Rolland’s top assistant, Jean Philippe Fort, is the consultant. Alcohol here hit 14.5%, which seems to be a target for many St.-Emilions in 2009. This wine has a dense purple color, a sweet nose of red and black currants intermixed with incense, subtle background oak, fleshy, open-knit, light, opulent flavors, silky tannins, and a long, exuberant, even flamboyant finish, with terrific purity and overall balance. It should drink well for 15 or more years. (Tasted two times.)

Tasted at the Association de Crus Classé tasting at Grand Pontet. Light blackberry and boysenberry on the nose: delineated and fresh with good lift, some earthy notes developing with time in the glass. The palate is fresh and lively, good definition, lifted black fruit, racy acidity, the oak just a little too toasty on the finish but I have already enjoyed this Grand Pontet. I sincerely hope that the élevage is not too long, because this is a fine ’09 Saint Emilion. Tasted March 2010.