2000 Chateau Monbousquet Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Although still youthful, I do not think the 2000 Monbousquet will develop much more complexity. It is a seductive, rich, generously endowed effort revealing plenty of spice box, herb, black currant, kirsch, espresso, and toasty oak characteristics in a decidedly modern, but opulent, fleshy style. Enjoy this endearing, long, velvety-textured St.-Emilion over the next decade.

Saturated dark ruby. Superripe, compellingly sweet aromas of blackberry and melting chocolate, with very subtle oakiness. Lush, chewy and rich, with the powerful berry, cherry, mineral and chocolate flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Seems somehow finer than past vintages of this wine, with a particularly aromatic aftertaste. The ripe tannins coat the entire palate.

Bright ruby-red. Roasted currant and black cherry scents complicated by sexy oak. At once chewy and silky in the mouth, with complex, fresh flavors of plum, redcurrant, vanilla, coffee, smoky oak and woodsy underbrush. Finishes sweet and long, with thoroughly ripe tannins. This was bottled in February of this year after 28 months in barrel; it wasn't too long ago that this wine received barely 18 months of elevage