A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this is the Cheval Blanc of Pomerol. A wine of admirable complexity, elegance, and purity, it possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as wonderful notes of blueberries, mint, acacia flowers, espresso, and white chocolate. Opulent, rich, and pure, with a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and wood, it is a beautiful offering that is not far off the pace of the exceptional 2000. Sadly, there are only about 1,000 cases of this offering produced from the finest parcels of old vines carved from the vineyard previously known as Certan-Giraud. Kudos to proprietor Christian Moueix. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2014.

(a blend of 69% merlot and 31% cabernet franc) Deep red. Complex, pungent aromas of roasted red fruits, minerals and mineral. Suave and silky in the mouth, with very fresh, minerally flavors and a youthfully firm, lingering finish.

The 2001 Hosanna was the third vintage of this cuvée, and I was rather tepid in my reaction upon release. Now, after 20 years (has it really been that long?), I am still not convinced. It has a herbaceous nose, indicating that maybe some fruit did not reach phenolic ripeness. It certainly pales against some of the marvels coming from Hosanna in recent years. The palate is medium-bodied with aggressive tannins, very ferrous, and a little lean on the midpalate. A dryness on the finish suggests that bottles ought to be consumed in the near future.

Smoke, coffee, mocha, singed black fruit – opulent and extravagant, with fully mature, chocolatey complexity. Silky and slinky. (RH)

Thick and sweet and round and pretty lively with a sweet oak influence. Lots happening underneath. A Moueix wine? Very tangy and lively. Real life underneath. (JR)