(an 80/20 blend of merlot and cabernet franc) Pretty medium ruby-red color. Captivating, drop-dead gorgeous nose conveys extremely pure and intense aromas of red berries, cinnamon, minerals, cedar and mirabelle, all lifted by a delicate smoky nuance: grand cru Burgundy made in Bordeaux Then silky-smooth on the palate, with a busload of red fruit flavors (fresh raspberry, red cherry syrup, redcurrant jelly) complicated by sweet spice and mineral notes. Harmonious acids somehow keep this very rich, hedonistic wine light and lively on the palate, and draw out the finish. The sexy and extremely sweet red berry flavors resonate long and loud on the utterly silky back end. This is so charming and expressive today that I wonder how many bottles of this elixir will make it to a ripe old age.

Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. The Tertre-Roteboeuf ‘09 has a very sophisticated bouquet with beautifully integrated oak. It is seamless and very refined. The palate is svelte and harmonious – not a hair out of place. Refined and focused with layers of pure, succulent red cherry and cranberry fruit on the plush finish. So much panache is suffused into this wine. This is a beautiful Saint Emilion from the inimitable Francois Mitjavile. Tasted January 2013. (NM)