2006 Clos Fourtet, 1er Grand Cru Classe B, Saint Emilion

A blend of 80% Merlot and the rest equally split between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this wine has a dense purple color and a beautifully sweet nose of blackberry and blueberry fruits intermixed with acacia flowers, charcoal, and some subtle oak. The wine is nicely textured, medium-bodied, and very concentrated for a 2006 St.-Emilion, with a certain degree of opulence and sucrosite. This is a beauty, with moderate tannins in the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2027. If you haven't gotten on the Clos Fourtet bandwagon, now is the time, as demand will certainly increase.After the prodigious 2005 and 2003, it is more difficult to get excited over what proprietor Philippe Cuvelier and his brilliant vineyard manager Tony Ballu, the producer of Pierre La Lune, have done, but this is a very strong effort. About 3,000 cases are made from this picture-postcard, fabulous vineyard on the deep limestone plateau just adjacent to the walls as well as the town of St.-Emilion.