Cropped at a minuscule 15 hectoliters per hectare, the 2002 possesses a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a big, sweet nose of high class cigar tobacco, creme de cassis, cherries, and earth. This medium to full-bodied, lush offering, which completely transcends its pedigree, demonstrates what dedicated viticulture and winemaking can accomplish in an unheralded appellation.Confiance (a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Malbec) is the finest wine I have ever tasted from the Premieres Cotes de Blaye. It is meant to represent a tete de cuvee produced in conjunction with the partnership renowned French actor Gerard Depardieu has with Bordeaux wunderkind Bernard Magrez.