GRAPE VARIETIES: The second great black grape variety of Bordeaux and the dominant one in Saint Emilion and Pomerol. It has recently becom very fashionable in the United States and, as a result, there have been widespread plantings in California - and the South of France. It also succeeds in New Zealand., Probably at its best blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. It suffers from downy mildew and grey rot but is resistant to oidium. As a wine, it has a round, rather soft fruitiness and low tannin. It matures relatively quickly.

NOSE OF WINE: Chocolate, violets, oranges, plum, black current.