Chewy and rich, with plum and prune character. Medium-bodied, with firm fruit. A little aggressive. Score range: 85-88 -JS

Another sleeper of the vintage, the opaque ruby/purple-tinged 2009 l’Estang exhibits lots of sweet black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with a hint of vanillin. Medium to full-bodied, with surprisingly pure, concentrated, lengthy flavors, it should drink well for 5-6 years. (Tasted once.)

Perhaps the finest effort I have ever tasted from this property, the 2008 l’Estang, made from yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare, is loaded with fruit and density. A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, it offers pure black currant and black cherry notes interwoven with notions of soil and subtle oak in a medium to full-bodied, lush style that should provide gorgeous drinking for 5-7 years. This is a sleeper of the vintage.

This sexy, round, luscious Cotes de Castillon, an appellation that seems to produce more than its fair share of good value, high quality wines, is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. With supple tannins, sweet herb and licorice-infused red and black currant fruit, medium body, and a silky, lush finish, this hedonistic 2006 will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 3-4 years.