57% Merlot: 43% Cabernet Franc - This is a wine that requires respect and attention. Notes of cherry liqueur, minerals and crushed stones rise,rather than leap, from the glass without any sense of force or coercion. The attack brings further notes offresh autumnal fruit- damson and bright black cherry- and silky, smooth textures, showing a wine of the highestcraft. The tannins are gentle, adding enough grip to counterbalance the smoothness and to give a correct austerity but without a hint of astringency or dryness. This is not a big, concentrated Lafleur but a more gentle, alluringshowing, revealing layer upon layer of flavour- a little whiff of smoke, a show of spice- and impressing quietly,unassumingly. That is not to say that this lacks impact- this is a wine that will hold its head high in any company.The old vine Cabernet contributes vinosity and natural intensity and the skill of the winemaker allows the terroirto be expressed without a sense of man's involvement. Beautifully balanced, the finish is immaculate- long,resonating and drawing the taster back for more. This wine proves yet again that great vineyards and greatwinemakers make great wine every year. - 19.5 points