Medium ruby with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Lots going in this wine. The nose brims with cedar, sandalwood, leather, pencil shavings, cinnamon, sage, cloves, plums, blackberry & expresso. The taste has similar notes as the nose but with mint, red currants & pomegranates. Medium to full body with medium+ tannins, good acidity with a very long length.

Negatives: Quiet a bit of heat coming from the 14.5% alcohol.

Interesting Point: This wine won gold in Paris in 2010. I would encourage everyone to try to explore wines that come from areas around the world that are generally not accessible unless you visit the specific location. Lucky the LCBO has brought us wine from Madiran.

Drink now or over the next 3 years. It's enjoyable on its own but would pair even better with rack of lamb or grilled tenderloin steak.

Tasted: 19 May 12

Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5