Bright medium red. Strawberry, redcurrant and violet on the nose. Juicy and vinous, with redcurrant and delicate coffee flavors showing good sweetness and plenty of early appeal. Finishes moderately long and a bit simple, with a hint of dusty minerals, repeating floral nuances and smooth tannins. A lovely wine expressing pristine aromas and flavors. Pierre Lurton and technical director Pierre-Olivier Clouet told me that the final blend is 72% merlot and 28% cabernet franc (it was 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc during the Primeurs). -- Ian D'Agata