2010 Jean Gautreau (made by Sociando-Mallet)

The 2010 Cuvée Jean Gautreau is pure Cabernet Sauvignon picked between September 24 and October 15. It has a fresh blackberry, graphite and woodland bouquet that handles the oak well. The saline palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and a keen thread of acidity, and conveys a sense of symmetry toward the long and – surprisingly for the vintage – tender finish. This is a strong follow-up to the excellent 2009 Cuvée Jean Gautreau and one does not miss the Merlot contribution