100% Merlot. This proved to be a bit controversial. Some of us loved it while others merely liked it. Of course, served along side the First growths, the Merlot based wine might be at a disadvantage for those preferring Cabs. Personally, I thought it was a stunning wine. It kept opening up over the three hours it was in my glass (with an occasional refill). As an aside, there is something wonderful about having a waiter ask you if you would like just a bit more Petrus in your glass. :-) Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose is very pretty with cherries, slight cassis, a bit of baking spice and cocoa powder and just a hint of black tea. On the palate, this is soft but with medium tannins. Plenty of structure but drinking well. Cherries, some black cherries with an earthy/dry forest floor underneath. Great balance. Really deep, it unwinds in the glass. Long, long finish. This is not at peak yet and well stored bottles with continue to improve. Probably for another decade and then it will be good for another two decades at least after that. It is hard not to pay attention to the price but the experience is certainly worth it here and this vintage is certainly more affordable than many.
