The flagship property of Jonathan Maltus (his residence as well), this is the best Teyssier I have ever tasted. A tribute to his efforts, this blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc over-achieves even in a great vintage like 2009. Opaque blue/purple, with notes of charcoal, blackberry, cassis and spring flowers as well as a hint of subtle background oak., the wine is opulent, sumptuously textured, dense, pure and multi-dimensional. It should drink well for at least a decade or more.

(merlot with some cabernet franc): Bright ruby-red. Lively, slightly medicinal aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and flowers. Supple, sweet and nicely concentrated, with intense primary dark berry flavors showing excellent focus. Finishes with suave tannins, very good length and a lightly medicinal herbal quality. The best Teyssier to date by a clear margin.

(85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc) Dark ruby. Sexy aromas of roasted plum, spicy raspberry jam, mocha and black pepper. Enters lush and broad, offering mouthcoating flavors of roasted plum and musky coffee, with substantial, somewhat dusty tannins detracting a little from the wine's early appeal. This wine's harmonious acidity and tannic backbone should enable it to age well, but it should also provide relatively early pleasure. Probably the best Teyssier to date, this vintage includes grapes from Vignonet and Saint-Sulpice on gravelly soils containing a bit of iron-rich clay (crasse de fer) that makes for a sexier, more complex wine.