A sleeper of the vintage for me, the 2009 Saint-Paul is the first example of this wine I have tasted. Made by Stephane Derenoncourt, it is a blend of 48% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. An opulent, fleshy effort, it exhibits lots of red and black fruit and licorice characteristics, but no evidence of wood even though 15% new oak is utilized. The alcohol of 13.5% is modest by 2009's standards. This inexpensive beauty should provide plenty of pleasure for 3-5 years. 90-92 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Apr 2010)
Tar and blackberry, with stems on the nose. Full-bodied, with delicious concentration and a juicy finish. 88-91 Points, The Wine Spectator (Mar 2010) | 
