| Score: |
94-95 VM.
"Bessards & Le Méal: Opaque ruby. A deeply perfumed, complex bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged cherry and boysenberry, along with complicating suggestions of potpourri, incense and smoky bacon. Sappy and expressive in character, offering palate-staining black and blue fruit liqueur and violet pastille flavors that are underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Shows outstanding clarity and spicy lift on the youthfully tannic, floral-accented finish, which lingers with outstanding persistence. Greffieux & Bessards: Inky ruby. Mineral-accented, highly perfumed aromas of ripe red and blue fruits, spicecake and potpourri, with a spicy topnote that builds in the glass. Sappy, fresh and penetrating on the palate, offering vibrant blueberry and raspberry flavors that are complemented by hints of candied violet and star anise. Shows excellent clarity and mineral lift on the strikingly persistent finish, which is framed by smooth, slow-mounting tannins. Josh Raynolds, Vinous.com, Feb 2018 |