This was served blind. Many guesses were thrown out, Michigan, Right Bank, Languedoc, off-vintage classified, but the predominant opinion was that it was Merlot-based. Wrong! Duazac usually produces a 60% cab sauv, 35% merlot, 5% cab franc mixture. The reason I served blind was that Decanter had given this 5 stars (their highest ranking) and named it the best 1998 classified Medoc. Silly British.

The wine has a ruby, purple color and the nose is typical Margaux with sweet cassis, floral and perfume notes integrated with oak. Currently, the red currant fruit is slightly subdued and the finish of spice box, leather, and earthiness isn't that lingering. Silly British. I bought this for $12 when a local store went out of business. 87/88

I thought this wine was primarily merlot with some cab franc. I think that tastewine2 initially picked up on the cab franc. The floral notes on the nose helped confirm it. I picked up on some cherry and cassis on the nose that reminded me of Washington merlots. My guess was confirmed by a rounder mid-palate and shorter finish. Not a typical profile for 60% cab. Unlike R2-D2, I thought the cherry and current fruit was fairly vibrant (maybe it was just screaming after the two very light Bordeaux Blancs). Therefore my guess was a 2000 Right Bank Bordeaux, smaller chateau or second label. Oh well, you can’t win them all (once would be nice, though).

I would give it an 88 and not bad for $12.

I mostly got green bell pepper and herbal flavors on this wine, much like many Chinon's I had from the Loire (cab franc). My guess was a "cool climate cab". Started to develop some light strawberry flavors with air. Some plastic flavors on the finish. A pleasant quaffer. 86P.

As R2D2 indicated, this wine was served blind. It had meaty and piney aroma with very fine legs. Very smooth. Notes of bitter cherry and plum upfront and rounding out to dark fruit on the finish. Silky tannins. 91-92 points.

VM