2006 La Gomerie

Bright ruby-red. Smoky dark fruits, dark chocolate, caramel and coffee on the inviting nose. A lush, creamy midweight with dark fruit flavors complicated by herbs and tobacco. The wine's edge of dusty tannins and firm acids will not stand in the way of early enjoyment, but I find it a bit less harmonious today than the Becot brothers' Beausejour-Becot, in spite of its sweeter merlot character.

This 100% Merlot from a 7+ acre vineyard exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to sweet, oaky, creme de cassis, and kirsch fruit interwoven with notions of barrique and creme brulee. Opulent and medium to full-bodied, with angular tannins in the finish, it possesses sufficient concentration to balance out the structure. It should be consumed during its first 10-12 years of life.

Saturated red-ruby. Sexy aromas of dark berries, bitter chocolate and flowers; very expressive for right-bank merlot from this vintage. Sweet, dense and sappy, with deep dark berry and dark chocolate flavors nicely framed by ripe acids. Finishes brisk and long, with a strong spine of acids and tannins. Showing very well today.