Hosanna 2006

This limited production wine is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from the very finest part of the vineyard on the plateau of Pomerol, which used to be known as Certan-Giraud. It often reminds me of Cheval Blanc, at least from an aromatic perspective, but in 2006 the wine seems to verge in the direction of the more exotic, flamboyant style of Le Pin. Dense plum/ruby to the rim, with a sweet nose of roasted coffee, caramel, mocha, and lavish quantities of black cherry and black currant fruit, this wine has a lush, sensual texture, full-bodied depth, and stunning length and purity. This is a beauty to drink now and over the next 12-15 years.

Tasted at JP Moueix. This is the one wine in Moueix impressive portfolio that nearly always fails to light my fire. The 2006 is no different. The nose is lacking some definition with ripe blackberry, a touch of leather and chocolate. Full-bodied palate, a lot of new oak, a rather turbo-charged palate with huge grip that for me lacks finesse and poise. I can see why others would enjoy its hedonistic personality for I prefer others. Tasted April 2007.

Black chocolate and berry character on the nose follows through to a medium to full-bodied palare, with fine tannins and a clean, caressing finish. Best after 2012

Fragrant, high toned. Very suave palate entry with very sweet tannins and fully ripe fruit. Chewy on the finish and reverberates with very fine tannins. Very slightly dry and pinched on the finish.