2010 Cap de Faugeres

Good red-ruby. Expressive aromas of black cherry, blackberry, smoked meat, licorice and herbs. Suave and supple, with ripe, harmonious acidity giving lift to the dark raspberry and licorice flavors. Rich and lush but has the energy and firm tannic support to give definition to its flavors.

The 2010 Cap de Faugeres, a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the better sections of the Cotes de Castillon known as Sainte-Colombe, was bottled unfined and unfiltered by consultant Michel Rolland. It tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol and displays kirsch, black currant, licorice and smoky charcoal/barbecue notes. Medium to full-bodied, lush and very sexy already, this sleeper of the vintage is soft enough to be drunk now or can be cellared for up to a decade. Bravo! All of the carping about high Bordeaux prices never seems to include the argument for the hundreds and hundreds of excellent wines that are less prestigious or come from less glamorous appellations, for example the Cotes de Castillon is a veritable treasure trove for people looking for high quality wines at bargain prices.

Blackish purple. Overripe, unappetising notes on the nose. It may just be the sample that is tired but if it is representative, count me out. Lots of hard work in the wrong direction, it seems to me. (JR)