Christian Moueix is the winemaker for Petrus, the super expensive Merlot (bottles go for thousands) from Pomerol deemed "the most famous red wine in the world," according to Robert Parker Jr. (the 2000 and 1998 vintages received 100-point scores). He also makes Napa's Dominus Estate, another perennial winner of high ratings and high prices.
Even though this bottle was only $10, I still thought it might be a decent given Moueix's reputation and the fact that he put his name on the bottle. I was looking for a restrained, old-world wine. Instead I got a nose of ripe cherries and alcohol. In the mouth there was red berries, some heat, with a spicy finish of black pepper that tangs the tip of the tongue, maybe cinnamon.
Pass on this one, there's better $10 bottles of Merlot out there.
Winemaker's notes (via wine.com):
Christian Moueix has created this uniquely personal cuvée through a selection of wines from numerous small growers in the Côtes de Castillon, Côtes de Francs and Côtes de Bourg appellations. The common factor in these three areas is the predominance of the Merlot variety. In the Côtes de Castillon, it acquires elegance, finesse and longevity; in the Côtes de Francs, structure and fruitiness; and in the Côtes de Bourg, is selected for aroma, body and richness.
Blended to evoke each of these aspects of the Merlot's personality in a very Bordelaise style, the wine spends, depending on the vintage, approximately six months in old oak casks to enhance structure and harmony. Sweet, supple berry and wild cherry fruit mark this charming, medium bodied wine. Fruit impressions carry into nuances of herbs and vanilla underscored by a fresh, elegant acidity and ripe, soft tannins.
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