2008 Frédéric Mabileau "Éclipse No. 8" St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil (Previously $33)

91 points Wine Spectator: "Bright and juicy, offering a solid core of plum and blackberry backed by grippy briar and tobacco notes. There's a mouthwatering edge on the long finish. Drink now through 2012. 100 cases imported." –JM 91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Lurid ruby. Sexy aromas of black raspberry, violet and smoky Indian spices. Perfumed and penetrating on the palate, showing impressively pure dark berry and floral pastille flavors and mounting spiciness. The finish features silky tannins and lingering notes of red and dark berries and candied violet." (May/June 10) This is a special treat indeed. Only made in select vintages, the Éclipse is made up from 100% Cabernet Franc 40-plus year old vines. There is an aggressive pre-harvest triage and the clusters are de-stemmed prior to fermentation, which takes place in barrel and is then allowed to age in Burgundian barrels for up to 14 months. With a firm yet modest mineral structure, this is a dark and spicy style of St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. Loads of fleshy dark cherry, spiced vanilla and black currant fruits lead into a long and silky finish. Would benefit from a good hour of decanting or five-plus years in the cellar. 13% ABV