2010 Hess Collection Glen Carlou Grand Classique

The 2010 Grand Classique is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec, 16% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc and is matured in 60% new French oak, the remainder second fill, for 18 months. It has a little more complexity on the nose compared to the 2009 Gravel Quarry, with lifted red berries, bergamot and salted licorice scents. The palate is well-balanced with a lithe, supple opening. There is a touch of sea salt infused into the plush black fruit, but it retains fine balance on the finish. Drink now. I found the current wines of Glen Carlou satisfactory, but not wines that provoked superlatives. Importer: Hess Collection Winery, 4411 Redwood Road, Napa, CA, 94558 Tel: 707 255 1147