2009 Chateau Gracia, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bottle (750ml)

RP98 "The 2009 Gracia competes handsomely with the spectacular 2005 and 2000 vintages. A slightly more evolved and fleshy effort, the inky/purple-hued 2009 (75 % Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a massive, thick powerhouse with 14.5% natural alcohol. Proprietor Michel Gracia often makes a wine that is similar to that of his friend, the proprietor of Ausone. Blueberry, blackberry, licorice, forest floor, smoke and graphite aromas jump from the glass of this unctuously textured, layered, multidimensional St.-Emilion. Displaying an inner core of extract (yields were only 19 hectoliters per hectare) and not a hard edge to be found, this youthful 2009 tastes more like a barrel sample than a finished wine. It will benefit from 5-10 years of cellaring and should last for 3-4 decades." RP Dec 2011

JD98 Another masterpiece from Michel Gracia, the 2009 Château Gracia comes from a tiny vineyard just outside of Saint-Emilion and is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging beautifully, with a mature bouquet of blackcurrants, white truffle, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and cedar pencil, this thick, opulent beauty has sweet tannins, a dense, stacked mid-palate, no hard edges, and blockbuster of a finish. Drink bottles any time over the coming 20-30 years.