Hosanna 2001

A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this is the Cheval Blanc of Pomerol. A wine of admirable complexity, elegance, and purity, it possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as wonderful notes of blueberries, mint, acacia flowers, espresso, and white chocolate. Opulent, rich, and pure, with a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and wood, it is a beautiful offering that is not far off the pace of the exceptional 2000. Sadly, there are only about 1,000 cases of this offering produced from the finest parcels of old vines carved from the vineyard previously known as Certan-Giraud. Kudos to proprietor Christian Moueix. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2014.

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On horizontal. This has a more generous, open-knit bouquet that has moved into its secondary aroma stage with scents of leather, sandalwood and smoke. There is certainly impressive "volume" on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly rusticity on the entry, quite a ferrous wine but very well balanced with so much freshness and vitality towards the finish. This has certainly improved with age, although its initial flush subsided and it was soon surpassed by Trotanoy. Tasted March 2011.

Thick and sweet and round and pretty lively with a sweet oak influence. Lots happening underneath. A Moueix wine? Very tangy and lively. Real life underneath.