La Clusiere 2000 75cl

From this hillside 2.6-acre vineyard planted with 100% Merlot a veritable legend has emerged. The 2000 is undoubtedly the finest La Clusiere ever produced. A magnificent effort possessing off-the-chart extract levels as well as a remarkably intense palate impression, it tastes like the undistilled essence of a particular vineyard and wine type. The color is opaque blue/purple. The bouquet reveals dense blackberry, plum, and cassis aromas infused with minerals, licorice, espresso, and graphite. Full-bodied, massively-endowed, concentrated, and incredibly well-delineated, with high but velvety tannin, this is a magnificent wine. It was bottled, as are all the Perse wines, with neither fining nor filtration. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2035.

A big and smoky wine, with lots of oak and vanilla character, as well as ripe fruit. Full-bodied and chewy. A bit exaggerated, but very impressive. Modern and oaky Merlot, and I like it. Still not in bottle in early December. Score range: 89-91