Blended of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in French oak, 70% new, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Monbousquet simply sings even at this youthful stage with notes of crushed black cherries, mulberries and cassis with touches of lavender, cloves, Sichuan pepper and roses. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is finely textured with wonderful elegance and impressive depth, offering up perfumed black berry layers and a long finish that whispers fragrant earth suggestions.

This is a big, silky, damson-strewn experience. There is a welcome sense of restraint on the finish, and a flush of freshness which brings balance to what is an extremely muscular wine. The gravel soils have brought out the power of the Cabernet, and this is classic Monbousquet territory. 70% new oak.