2009 Goulee

Very healthy dark crimson. High VA. A certain uncomfortable greenness. Drying finish. (JR)

(from gravelly soil in the northern reaches of the Medoc): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of black cherry, cassis and licorice. Dense, layered and sweet, with a lush texture and noteworthy concentration to the slightly high-toned flavors of blackberry, cassis and licorice pastille. Harmonious acidity energizes the mid-palate and extends the rising finish, which features firm but ripe tannins and a saline nuance. The best vintage yet for this top value made under the direction of Jean-Guillaume Prats and Michel Reybier, respectively the manager and owner of Cos d'Estournel.

The finest Goulee to date, the wine has an opaque purple color, a glorious nose of creme de cassis, blackberries, forest floor, and some subtle charcoal, and fabulous fruit on the attack, mid-palate and finish. The wine is opulent, even viscous, with unreal concentration and a full-bodied purity and texture. This wine simply over-delivers at every stage of the tasting experience. It is definitely a candidate to buy by the caseful and drink over the next decade or more. This is a major sleeper of the vintage. Created by Cos d’Estournel’s winemaker Jean-Guillaume Prats and proprietor Michel Reybier, this wine represents 90,000 bottles of absolutely remarkable claret made from a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot that has been lavished with the same attention and care that Cos d’Estournel receives.