Another estate owned by perfectionist Alain Vauthier (the proprietor of Ausone), this is the poor person’s value pick from this proprietor. One of the finest vintages ever made by Alain Vauthier is the 2003 Moulin St.-Georges, a sleeper of the vintage. Deep purple to the rim with an exquisite nose of blueberries, white flowers, crushed rocks, and mulberry, the wine is rich, textured, powerful, and much more structured and full-bodied than it usually is in other vintages. This wine will actually benefit from 3-4 years of bottle-age and drink well for 15-20 years.

Full medium ruby. Cassis, espresso, violet and licorice on the nose, lifted by sweet oak scents. Spicy, fresh and bright, with firm acids giving the wine excellent clarity, especially considering its 14.8% alcohol. Very pure and intensely flavored. The finish is quite tannic, even a bit hard-edged. A very successful, powerful version of this wine.

Extremely deep crimson-purple. Full, rich and very sweet. Super-ripe black fruits – cherries? – and some floral notes and no greenness. Very juicy. Lip-smacking. Alain Vauthier claims this is the best vintage for this property across the combe from Ausone since 1996. (JR)