The Merlot & Cabernet Franc grapes come from vines with an average age of 35 years. The grapes are picked and sorted by hand, then the crop is totally de-stemmed, lightly crushed and sent into the vats. The vat cellar is made up of small stainless steel vats, each one corresponding in size to the area of each vineyard plot. They are all equipped with precise temperature control that allows each vat to be controlled independently to reflect the nature of the plot the grapes came from. Maceration takes 3 to 5 weeks and barrel aged 16 to 24 months and fined with natural egg whites and bottled without being filtered. This vintage has finesse and elegance with an acidity that brings lovely freshness and remarkable vivacity. There are attractive aromas of intense red berry fruit and black pepper. The structure on the palate is dense and harmonious with the tannins coming through well and a long, lingering finish. (12 x 75 cl)