2001 Chauvin

The top-flight 2001 is just a notch below the brilliant 2000. It offers a deep ruby/purple color along with a rich perfume of toast, acacia flowers, gravel, and black currant liqueur. Medium to full-bodied and voluptuous, with viscous flavors of creme de cassis, licorice, chocolate, and smoke, this pure, moderately tannic 2001 can be drunk young given its low acidity and precocious personality. It should age impeccably for a dozen or more years. Proprietor Beatrice Ondet continues to fashion top-flight efforts that merit more interest than they receive. Her 37-acre vineyard is planted with 80% Merlot and the rest primarily Cabernet Franc as well as a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. Jun 2004, www.robertparker.com