2009 Chateau Vrai Canon Bouche Canon Fronsac

(91-93) One of the stars of Canon-Fronsac, this 30-acre vineyard is making some great wine, and the 2009 appears to be the finest they have yet produced. The Dutch owners brought in Stephane Derenoncourt as consultant, and the 2009 (98% Merlot and 2% Malbec) tips the scales at 14.5% natural alcohol. Full-bodied with an inky/blue/purple color it represents the essence of blackberries, black raspberries, cassis, licorice, crushed rocks, and subtle oak. The high alcohol and all evidence of oak aging are completely buried under the sheer concentration (in this case coming from low yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare). A big time sleeper of the vintage, it should age effortlessly for 25-30 years. (Tasted two times.) Wine Advocate # 188, Apr 2010