2009 Magrez Fombrauge

Pure Merlot cropped at 20hl/ha between 5th and 8th October, this has a extremely ripe, opulent nose of red cherry fruit, blueberry, damson, kirsch and a hint of prune. Good definition considering how opulent it is. The palate is full-bodied, a little lower in acidity than others, grippy tannins, very pure and exotic and sappy, citrus tinged, cherry fruit towards the finish. Moderate length. Not quite my style, but well made. Tasted March 2010.

Tiny yields, malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees and no fining or filtration produced an exotic, full-throttle St.-Emilion boasting an explosive nose of blueberry pie, lead pencil shavings, black truffles, camphor, incense and toasty oak. Made in a borderline extreme style, the wine is extracted and full-bodied with enormous quantities of fruit, extract, tannin and glycerin. The alcohol of just over 14% is not as high as I would have expected. I purchased the 2000 Magrez-Fombrauge and am thrilled by the way it is developing as it is displaying more complexity and nuances now than it did when it was released. I suspect the 2009 will do the same thing, but on a slightly faster evolutionary track. Wines such as this tend to transform from blockbuster fruit bombs into far more civilized, elegant and streamlined wines. The 2009 should be forgotten for 5-6 years and drunk over the following 25-30. A modern-styled St.-Emilion from the stable of Bernard Magrez's properties, this limited production (500 or so cases), 100% Merlot cult wine is made from the finest parcel of the Fombrauge vineyard. - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate February 2012