2009 Le Carre, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1x750ml

Vinous 93

Full medium ruby. High-pitched aromas of blackberry, graphite, mocha, crushed stone and sexy smoky oak, all lifted by a violet perfume. Densely packed and very fine-grained, with lovely limestone energy lifting the dark fruit, graphite and licorice flavors. Tactile, intense, mineral-driven wine with a suavely tannic finish featuring excellent lift and some exotic oak tones. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/07/2012]

Robert Parker 97

Achieving nearly 15% natural alcohol (one of the highest of the Jonathan Maltus St. Emilion estates) , this blend of approximately 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc is from vineyards that sit on limestone soils near Clos Fourtet, an area that performed brilliantly in 2009. Inky purple, with notes of graphite, vanillin, blackberry and cassis as well as crushed rock and floral notes, the wine has breathtaking extravagance and a luxuriant fruit quality that simply has to be tasted to be believed. Phenomenally rich, full-bodied, and brilliantly poised and well-balanced, this is a tour de force in winemaking and a colossal Le Carre, the finest Jonathan Maltus has yet produced. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. [Robert Parker, 02/01/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028