Monolope Ex

A spectacular effort (what's new?), this brilliant offering from proprietor Hubert de Bouard is another classic. A blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc, it boasts an inky/purple color as well as a sumptuous bouquet of creosote, blueberry pie, espresso roast, blackberries, and graphite. Extremely full-bodied and stunningly rich with a multi-layered texture, sweet tannin, and a 45-second finish, this exceptional 2006 is one of the great wines of St.-Emilion. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028.

(63% merlot and 37% cabernet franc) Good deep ruby-red. Black raspberry, kirsch, violet, minerals and bitter chocolate on the liqueur-like nose. Dense, sweet, suave and fresh, with excellent thrust and spine to the dark fruit and mineral flavors. Classy and consistent wine that showcases the energy of the vintage. But also rich and mouthcoating in a modern style, with the middle-palate stuffing to buffer the tannins. The younger cabernet franc vines were eliminated from the blend as the fruit was a bit dilute.

Distinctly Angelusian in this vintage, this is harmonious, packed with ripe fruit and earthy limestone tannin. The flavors mingle dried fruit and fresh fruit, from red cherries to dates, plums and figs. It's concentrated but not pushed, the flavors feeling complete in a long, structured finish. This should be ready to enjoy at ten years from the vintage, and will continue to develop after that.

93-95 Barrel Sample Very dark in color, almost black, this wine has sweetly ripe fruit, very opulent, chocolaty and with seriously concentrated fruit. It is hugely powerful, very dark.

A clean wine, with lovely berry and mineral character. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is extremely well made. Score range: 92-94