Only 3 or 4 barrels of this medium-to-dark ruby-colored wine are produced and Robert Drouhin told me that "no one knows just how old the vines are, but this is truly Vieilles Vignes." It has a nose of fresh herbs and coarse black cherries that is followed by a medium-bodied, foursquare, slightly rustic, and intense character. Its flavor profile reveals minerals, stones, blackberries, and hints of tart orange peels. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2004.
Importer: Dreyfus Ashby, New York, NY; tel (212) 818-0770.