Kudos to proprietress Sophie Porquet, who also makes the sensational Cotes de Castillon, Joanin-Becot. From this 35-acre vineyard she has fashioned a sensational blend of 70% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Her finest effort since taking over this property in 1999, the 2005 boasts a saturated purple color followed by notes of ripe blackberries, black currants, licorice, incense, chocolate, and espresso. Thick, highly-extracted flavors nearly obscure the elevated tannins. This big, serious, rich claret is meant to last for three decades or more.