This is distinctive, with a roasted alder streak running through an enticing core of crushed plum, blackberry and black currant confiture flavors. Long and velvety on the finish, with bay, tobacco and black tea accents checking in. This is suave, with fruit and terroir in spades, particularly for the vintage. Best from 2017 through 2025

Another great wine in this vintage, the 2012 Malescot offers up tremendous level of black fruits, charcoal and intense, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, sensational purity, low acidity and ripe tannins. It is full-bodied, stunning, multidimensional, and a compelling example of this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2017