2009 Lynsolence, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Even better from bottle than it was from cask, this wine has the potential to score even higher as it evolves. Unfortunately, because the yield was only 25 hectoliters per hectare, a very small amount of wine from this 6.5-acre vineyard of 50 year old vines was produced. Black purple in color, with elements of graphite, licorice and camphor as well as a foresty/floral note, the wine is super-dense, full-bodied, powerful, rich and capable of lasting 20-25 years. Thanks to the vintage's low acidity and ripe tannins, it has a certain accessibility, but this is a relatively massive 100% Merlot, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030.

(100% merlot; 14.9% alcohol) Deep purple-ruby. Superripe aromas of dark plum, kirsch, licorice and chocolate. Fat and soft but with good freshness to its flavors of blackberry, licorice and herbs. This densely packed, fleshy wine finishes smooth but with noticeable warmth.

Relatively evolved nose. Quite lightweight fruit impact. Marked greenness on the finish. Not the full charm offensive of most 2009s. (JR)