Marjosse 2000

A great buy as well as a sleeper of the vintage, this delicious over-achiever is made by Pierre Lurton, the manager of Cheval Blanc. From his home estate, Marjosse exhibits a surprisingly saturated ruby color in addition to a knock-out nose of jammy cherries, black currants, and underbrush. A big-time effort from a humble appellation (a generic Bordeaux), it is neither complicated nor long-lived, but this is what Bordeaux so rarely does ... provide delicious, hedonistic, impeccably made wines at a low price.

Fresh and fruity, with berry and floral character. Medium-bodied, with light tannins and crisp finish. Good value from Bordeaux and from the manager of Cheval-Blanc. Best after 2005. 15,000 cases made.

A great buy as well as a sleeper of the vintage, this delicious over-achiever is made by Pierre Lurton, the manager of Cheval Blanc. From his home estate, Marjosse exhibits a surprisingly saturated ruby color in addition to a knock-out nose of jammy cherries, black currants, and underbrush. A big-time effort from a humble appellation (a generic Bordeaux), it is neither complicated nor long-lived, but this is what Bordeaux so rarely does ... provide delicious, hedonistic, impeccably made wines at a low price.

The manager of Cheval Blanc, Pierre Lurton, owns this estate. Always a reliable value, the 2000 is the finest Marjosse he has yet produced. A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc, its gorgeous deep ruby/purple color is followed by a perfumed, sweet, smoky bouquet revealing overripe cherries, plums, and currants. Deep, velvety-textured, and low in acidity, this plump, hedonistic generic Bordeaux will drink beautifully for 3-4 years. There are nearly 10,000 cases of this superb value and sleeper of the vintage.