The dense ruby/purple-colored 1999 Monbousquet exhibits a port-like bouquet of super-ripe black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with scents of coffee, tobacco, and vanilla. Tipping the scales at a whopping 14% alcohol (extremely high for Bordeaux), this wine, which spends 18 months in 100% new oak and is bottled unfined and unfiltered, is a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was cropped at an amazingly low 30 hectoliters per hectare. It possesses an amazing texture, a mid-palate that you could get lost in, and a sensational 40-45 second finish. The exotic aromas, incredible texture, and abundant fruit are reminiscent of Pomerol's renowned micro-cuvee, Le Pin. The 1999 is even better from bottle than it was from cask. It is a remarkable effort for the vintage, Anticipated maturity: 2005-2017. - Robert Parker 2002 -