DOMAINE DU BOUSCAT LA GARGONE

WINE SPECTATOR: Rich and powerful, with loads of ripe fruit that seems a little high in alcohol, but remains fresh and lively. Velvety tannins. (Web only, 2010)

ROBERT PARKER: The remarkable 2009 Bouscat La Gargone, which is even better from bottle than it was from barrel, is a blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 18% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Consultant Claude Gros certainly got things right, as this tips the scales at a California-like 15.9% natural alcohol. An absolutely sensational nose of white chocolate intermixed with blackberry jam, licorice, incense and white flowers soars from the glass of this opaque, full-bodied, sensationally concentrated wine that has no hard edges. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.