2011 Gracia Bordeaux

One of the few blockbuster wines in this vintage, Gracia’s 2011 exhibits an opaque blue/purple color along with gorgeous aromas of graphite, chalk, black currants, blueberries, camphor and a hint of truffles. Full-bodied and rich, with good acidity, this luscious St.-Emilion should drink well in 2-3 years and last for 15.
RP 94-96 (TASTED 2012): I tasted this cuvee three times, and on each occasion it was totally exhilarating. Notes of white chocolate, creme de cassis, raspberry liqueur, truffles and lead pencil shavings emerge from this stunningly proportioned 2011. With massive fruit and richness, sweet tannin and adequate acidity, it is even more impressive than most vintages to date given the less than perfect growing conditions of 2011. Drink it over the next two decades.
One of the candidates for the wine of the vintage, Michel Gracia’s tiny garagiste offering from the St.-Christophe des Bardes area of St.-Emilion is a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The natural alcohol hit 14.5%, which is up there with such blockbuster vintages as 2009 and 2010. Unfortunately, production is only around 500 cases.