Copious aromas of kirsch, raspberry and black currant fruit are followed by a silky, opulent wine with ripe tannin as well as tremendous fruit intensity. The remarkable thing about La Violette is that once you have tasted a few vintages, you will never forget this wine. It is reminiscent of a hypothetical blend of nearby Lafleur and the grand cru Burgundy, Musigny. This 2011 should drink well young, but last 15 or more years. It’s a shame so little of this wine is made by proprietress Madame Pere-Verge. One of the most singular and intriguing wines of Bordeaux, smelling the 2011’s extraordinary bouquet is akin to walking into a parfumerie.

The late Madame Pere-Verge owned this little jewel of a property. The stunning 2011 exhibits a beautiful deep ruby/purple color as well as lots of floral notes, and a broad textured opulence that is atypical for the vintage. Fruity and rich, this successful, medium to full-bodied 2011 does not quite match the quality of the 2008, 2009 or 2010, but it is another brilliant effort from La Violette. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

Tasted at Le Gay. The La Violette was picked on 21st and 22nd September at 27hl/ha and matured in Saury barrels. It has a typically very rounded, almost voluptuous bouquet with an attractive brine/oyster shell accent that is very attractive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a decent core of blackberry and blueberry fruit with a firm, almost obdurate finish that suggests it will need 4-5 years at least in bottle. Much more controlled than the 2009 and 2010, and in my opinion, all the better for it. Tasted April 2012.

Medium-deep ruby-red. Pure aromas of cassis and minerals, with complicating notes of mocha, mint and licorice. Bright, suave and densely packed, showing very good energy and intensity to the flavors of cassis, graphite and fresh violet. The long, perfumed finish features a flavor of crushed blackberry and a whiplash of harmonious acidity. Another wine in the stable of Catherine Peré-Vergé that seems much less extracted than usual and reminiscent of the excellent 2008 made here.

Solid, with friendly plum sauce and raspberry fruit caressed by lightly toasted spice notes. Nice rounded feel through the finish. Almost too easy in feel, but the length is there, so this should put on some weight.-J.M.

Drink 2020-2030 100% Merlot. Destemmed by hand and fermented, after cold maceration, in 100% new oak barrels. Sweet and chocolatey. Much more savoury and dense than Le Gay. Richer but less giving and needs more time. Tannins are dense but very polished. Long and rich. (JH)