2006 Joanin Becot

Very dark crimson. Light nose that I would never put on the right bank blind since it is not especially generous and Merlot-like. Round and well balanced. Lively and not exaggerated. Some fluidity. (JR)

(a 75/25 combination of merlot and cabernet franc) Bright medium red-ruby. Pure, vibrant nose offers blackberry, espresso and fresh herbs. Juicy and intense, with noteworthy purity to the flavors of dark berries, minerals, violet and dark chocolate. Finishes with broad, fine tannins and enticing sweetness and length. Already an elegant drink, this should gain in complexity with a few years of cellaring.

One of the stars of the vintage for this appellation, this property, owned by Juliette Becot, produces a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, and looked after by Michel Rolland’s right-hand man in Bordeaux, Jean-Philippe Forte, this stunning 2006 exhibits sweet blackberry, black currant, smoky, toasty oak, espresso roast, and chocolate aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with precise minerality, and good focus, purity, texture, and depth, this superb sleeper of the vintage should be consumed over the next decade. Good value.