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Le Carré 2009

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyMerlot

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Tasting Notes

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.

97
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, March 2012

The Merlot was picked on 30th September and the Cabernet Franc on 10th October, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the bouquet carries the 14.4% alcohol well, lush blackberry and cassis, a touch of vanilla and creme fraiche from the new oak (100% new French.) The palate is full-bodied, very polished as one would expect from Mon. Malthus, showing better balance and refinement than the Chateau Laforge, firm, slightly chalky tannins towards the finish, but good purity and minerality coming through. Fine. Tasted March 2010.

89/91
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, April 2010

Blackberry and sandalwood aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a light finish.

86/89
James Suckling, WineSpectator.com, April 2010

Subtle, spicy and nuanced on the nose. Rich, full, opulent palate. Dark fruit and chocolate notes. Smooth, well integrated tannins. A generous and seductive wine. Drink 2015-2025.

17
James Lawther MW, Decanter.com, April 2010

A tiny production (300 cases of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) from a site near the limestone/clay soils of Clos Fourtet, this is a single vineyard offering from proprietor Jonathan Malthus. The 2009 offers a liqueur of minerality intermixed with blackberry and black currant fruit, sweet, subtle smoke, and a full-bodied, rich mouthfeel. The natural alcohol hit 14.4% in this blockbuster. It should drink well for 15-20 years. (Tasted once.) Drink 2010-2030.

93/95+
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188), April 2010
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.