2007 Chateau Duhart-Milon 4eme Cru Classe, Pauillac

Showing better than it did from cask, this soft, generous, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2007 exhibits sweet black currant fruit intermixed with cedar, roasted herbs, and subtle smoke. Round, hedonistic, and already complex, this blend of 73.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26.5% Merlot should drink well for 12-15 years.

Good dark red. Expressive aromas of currant, licorice, mocha, leather, graphite and spices. Then slightly hard-edged in the mouth, with a peppery element to the dark fruit and spice fla vors. Finishes a tad pinched, with dusty, palate-saturating tannins. I'd give this a couple years in the bottle to harmonize.

Very lifted, developing touches of black cracked pepper and a hint of sea salt. The palate is medium-bodied, perhaps a little coarse with a slight burnt quality on the finish. A peculiar showing for Duhart – interesting and distinctive but lacking its usual breeding.

Deep ruby. Strong mineral element on the nose, which also shows some ripe fruit. Round and flattering. Quite a fruit bomb! Very supple with pretty refined fruit. This could be a good buy…for early drinking. (JR)