Giscours 2001

Glossy crimson. Sophisticated nose with very good quality oak. Very attractive balance and lovely freshness above all. Not a heavyweight but a very attractive wine. Good length and integrity. Lovely already. Pavillon Rouge?

Medium-deep garnet colour. The nose is complex and mature with black cherry, dried herbs, wood smoke and undergrowth notes all on show. The palate starts with ripe, pure black cherries and is layered with notes of cedar, violet, and dark cocoa. The tannins are ripe, fine, and fully integrated, giving a wonderfully round, smooth, silky texture. This is fully open and drinking perfectly now with a lovely balance between dark fruits and mature undergrowth. The finish is long with savoury spices, mushroom and black fruit.

It may have had a few winemaking controversies in recent years, but Giscours is now on a roll, under the ownership of Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma. How good it is, is shown in the 2001 wine, which is generous, almost opulent, rich and dense. Despite the richness, though, this is still Bordeaux: Dry tannins, tarry black-fruit flavors and firmness place the wine definitely at the table.