Certan Marzelle 2001

Date: 1 January 2007

Robert Parker's comment: "Certan-Marzelle, Christian Moueix's garage operation, is a 1,000 case, 100% Merlot produced from a plot of vines carved out of the original vineyard, Certan-Giraud. The old vine production is made separately, and sold under the name Hosanna. The 2001 Certan-Marzelle is performing even better out of bottle than it did from cask. It exhibits a Le Pin-like exotic opulence and headiness in its succulent, upfront, formidable display of plum, black cherry liqueur, truffle, toffee, mocha, chocolate, and espresso characteristics. This low acid, plump, fleshy, fat effort will not make old bones, but for drinking over the next decade, it is about as sexy a wine as readers are likely to find. Drink 2004-2014"

I usually find RP's highly ranked wine too aromatic, but Certan-Marzelle 2001 was one of the best French wine I have tried in the past 12 months.

Rating: excellent