Vintages Release: April 13, 2013

Château des Charmes ‘Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard – Equuleus’ 2010 

VQA St. David’s Bench $40.00 (319525) 14.0% alcohol 

This über-premium red blend—50% Cab Sauv, 25% Cab Franc, 25% Merlot—is produced only in top vintages and was hard to spit. Rich, dark berry fruit, cherry cola, chicory and dusty earthiness on the nose, it coats the palate with rich, robust flavours—cassis, briary berry and black, juicy cherry interlaced with spice, fennel and sweet vanilla underpinned by still-resolving tannin. It’s structured with good complexity, the aftertaste lingers with minerality and excellent acidity. Pour after a three-hour aeration/decant or be rewarded for patience with 5-star wine; pop corks 2015-2022. (Vic Harradine)