The Peby Faugeres comes from a sector of Faugeres of over 20 acres where the vines are 45 years of age on average. In 2009 the yields were only 18 hectoliters per hectare. This 100% Merlot cuvee was impressive from barrel but is even more remarkable from bottle. One of the superstars of the vintage, this dense, opaque purple wine displays notes of blueberry liqueur intermixed with graphite, pen ink, licorice, incense and white flowers. Deep and full-bodied, with a boatload of tannin and glycerin as well as incredible texture and length, this is a wine of first-growth quality from St.-Emilion that should be cellared for a good 7-8 years, and then drunk over the following 25-30. It finished at around 15% natural alcohol and there are about 1,000 cases of it. Wine Advocate.February, 2012
Robert ParkerScore: 98/100
An incredible nose of reduced dark fruits, with blackberry, dark chocolate and loads of cherry. Full-bodied, with supervelvety tannins. Goes on and on. Racy and fast. Amazing
Wine SpectatorScore: 96-99/100
Exotic aromas of crushed berries, toasted oak, vanilla bean. Full-bodied, with a wonderful depth of fruit and ultra-velvety tannins. This is very intense and fruity in style. It really impresses you with its richness. Pure Merlot. Slightly New World. Try in 2020. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
James SucklingScore: 94/100
Yeast extract on the nose – very dark colour. Verge of oxidised (a sample problem?) Very sweet start – this wine seizes what 2009 has to offer and runs with it. Tarry finish. Very concentrated. Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MWScore: 16.5/20
Tasted at a negociant. Are we in the Douro? Did I miss something? The palate is full-bodied with dense, unyielding tannins, toasty black fruit, fruitcake, apricot, a touch of vanilla extract, leading to a very alcoholic finish. Simply not the kind of wine I like to pour down my throat. Tasted March 2010.
Neal MartinScore: 84-86/100
Bordeaux / France