Chateau La Vieille Cure 2011

JAMES SUCKLING: "Lots of dark berries and mushrooms with some walnuts and bark. Hints of coffee, too. Medium-bodied with medium, round tannins that are resolved and creamy. Juicy and delicately fruity finish, Merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Ready to drink."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "An amazing effort in this vintage, La Vieille Cure has been one of the top 3 or 4 Fronsacs in most recent vintages. The 2011 is fashioned from 75% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Many consumers will probably drink this wine entirely too young (and I have no problem with that), there is no doubt it has serious aging potential. A true revelation, this sleeper of the vintage is one of the finest wines money can buy. The dense ruby/purple color is followed by a sumptuous palate impression of silky black cherries and blackberries intermixed with wild strawberries. Opulent and rich with the abundant glycerin and lavish concentration concealing moderate tannins, this is a sensational effort in this challenging vintage. With nearly 14% natural alcohol as well as tremendous ripeness, it should drink well for 10+ years. This sleeper of the vintage merits consumer attention."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Licorice, coffee bean, vanilla, black cherry and earth scents open to a fleshy, flashy, medium bodied, fresh Bordeaux wine that ends with chocolate covered cherries. From an assemblage of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine reached 14% ABV."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Ripe and racy, with a mouthwatering licorice edge to the core of plum, raspberry ganache and boysenberry fruit, which moves along through the briar- and charcoal-tinged finish. Sleek, pure and focused."