2010 Chateau Monbousquet Grand Cru, Saint-Emilion

93 pts - Robert parker Junior

The 2010 is a brilliant effort from this estate, which occupies 80 acres on the so-called “wrong side” of the road dividing the appellation of St.-Emilion in two. Yields were a modest 33 hectoliters per hectare and the wine is a blend of 70% Merlot and the rest mostly Cabernet Franc with some Cabernet Sauvignon.The 2010 is a brilliant effort from this estate, which occupies 80 acres on the so-called “wrong side” of the road dividing the appellation of St.-Emilion in two.

The 2010 Monbousquet (14% natural alcohol) is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. More restrained and less exuberant and flamboyant than usual, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue along with plenty of sweet black raspberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with tell-tale toasty, oaky notes as well as a hint of espresso roast. This medium to full-bodied, ripe St.-Emilion will be ideal for drinking in its first 10-12 years of life, 2013-2023.