Bright, full ruby-red. Compelling aromas of red cherry and raspberry liqueur, licorice, minerals, spices, mocha and coffee. Wonderfully opulent and broad, with full but not excessive ripeness and a classically dry impression for such a plush wine. A wonderfully sexy, quintessential Pomerol that finishes with terrific breadth, sweet tannins and an almost magically light touch. If this is not as good as the 2005, it's just a step behind.

This limited production wine is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from the very finest part of the vineyard on the plateau of Pomerol, which used to be known as Certan-Giraud. It often reminds me of Cheval Blanc, at least from an aromatic perspective, but in 2006 the wine seems to verge in the direction of the more exotic, flamboyant style of Le Pin. Dense plum/ruby to the rim, with a sweet nose of roasted coffee, caramel, mocha, and lavish quantities of black cherry and black currant fruit, this wine has a lush, sensual texture, full-bodied depth, and stunning length and purity. This is a beauty to drink now and over the next 12-15 years.

Black chocolate and berry character on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a clean, caressing finish. Best after 2012. 1,300 cases made. -JS

Big and dense, this is a wine that also shows a firm side. Its opening richness is given a mineral edge that structures the ripe, foursquare texture and gives shape to spice and blueberry flavors. It is obvious the wine needs aging, probably for five years or more.