This was a great sleeper of the vintage in 2000 from producer Jean-Jacques Janoueix. A 100% Merlot cuvée coming from a nearly 12-acre vineyard situated between Vieux Chateau Certan and Le Pin, the 2000 shocked a number of people at the tasting, only because they had no expectations, and had never had the wine before. It wasn’t a surprise for me. Inky blue/purple-colored, with notes of graphite, blueberry liqueur, smoke, incense, sweet licorice, and hints of chocolate fudge and spicy oak, this full-bodied, opulent, rich wine seems to just be entering its window of full maturity, where it should last for another two decades. Very impressive. (RP)