Hosanna 2000

Dense ruby/purple, with a glorious nose of blackberries, cassis, white flowers, licorice, and a hint of sweet oak, this seamless wine is a classic example of purity and symmetry. Combining power with charm and finesse in a deeply textured, rich, elegant, yet authoritatively flavorful style, this is a brilliant effort as well as a compliment to proprietor Christian Moueix. Sadly, there are only 1,500 cases of this fabulous offering. It displays a singular style reminiscent of a hypothetical blend of Cheval Blanc and L'Evangile, the famous St.-Emilion and equally renowned Pomerol situated across from each other. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.

Proprietor Christian Moueix fashions this wine from the finest sector of the vineyard formerly known as Certan-Giraud. An extraordinarily elegant Pomerol made from 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. The 2000 has put on significant weight since last year, providing additional proof of Moueix's belief that when all the early tastings of the newest Bordeaux vintages take place, his wines, because of the traditional fermentation and absence of malolactic in barrel, often taste muted and unevolved. Certainly this offering has evolved spectacularly well over the last nine months. Its deep saturated ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of incense, minerals, blackberries, and cassis with hints of licorice, truffles, and new oak. A seamless, seductive Pomerol displaying both power and charm, it is totally different than its predecessors made under the Certan-Giraud administration. This brilliant effort should age graciously for two decades. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.

Christian Moueix merits praise for bringing a splendid new level of quality to this estate, formerly known as Certan-Giraud. The 2000 Hosanna is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with a gorgeous bouquet of exotic spices, black and blue fruits, and hints of truffles, this lush, concentrated, medium-bodied 2000 offers exquisite elegance, charm, and finesse. Seamless as well as beautifully knit, it is the antithesis of a vintage that is known for producing tannic, powerful wines. This effort is all fruit, glycerin, complexity, and seduction. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.