Magdelaine 2006

Deeper than the 2005, in colour but also in fruit expression, this captures the terroir-driven personality of Magdeleine with its salt-encrusted oyster shell salinity that speaks to vines whose roots are sunk into limestone rock. Delicious, fully in its drinking window with tertiary truffle and undergrowth, plenty of lift with sage and cinnamon spice and tobacco leaf. Moreish and silky, with fine tannins that are edged with soy and turmeric. 50% new oak, Jean-Claude Berrouet winemaker.

Closed and difficult to fathom, this wine is certainly not performing up to what I expected from my initial tasting. Either this wine is going through an ungraceful stage, or I simply overrated it from barrel. Deep ruby in color, with the classic black cherry, licorice, spice box, and cedary nose, the firm, structured, medium-bodied flavors exhibit excellent depth and the potential for longevity, but then clamp down tightly with a wall of tannin and acids. This is a wine to forget for at least 5-6 years. Drink it over the following 15-20.

A pleasant, medium-bodied wine, with caressing tannins and a medium finish. Silky, with good berry and chocolate character. A little more midpalate would be nice.

Relatively light crimson. Simple red wine nose - even slightly jammy. Low-key nose and very mild palate impact. Compact with a very dry finish. Grainy, sandy tannins. Fresh fruit. Simple at this stage but neat and comfortable in its own skin. Discreet but well balanced. Really very easy, not much structure, although the result is actually quite a nice short term drink. Lightly inky. Pretty dry tannins insist on the finish but not horribly overdone. Neat medium intensity finish.