La Clusiere 2000 750mL

2000 La Clusiere - Wine Advocate #189 - Jun 2010: Now extinct, as this tiny 2.6-acre micro-vineyard was absorbed into Chateau Pavie, the 2000 La Clusiere (100% Merlot) was bestowed a perfect score seven years ago, and I see no reason to change that as it remains a monumental effort. Aromas of creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur, charcoal, licorice, and graphite are followed by a stunningly rich, full-bodied, elegant, pure, gentle giant of a wine. Approaching full maturity, it should age effortlessly for another 30+ years. Kudos to proprietor Gerard Perse. 146 - Apr 2003: From this hillside 2.6-acre vineyard planted with 100% Merlot a veritable legend has emerged. The 2000 is undoubtedly the finest La Clusiere ever produced. A magnificent effort possessing off-the-chart extract levels as well as a remarkably intense palate impression, it tastes like the undistilled essence of a particular vineyard and wine type. The color is opaque blue/purple. The bouquet reveals dense blackberry, plum, and cassis aromas infused with minerals, licorice, espresso, and graphite. Full-bodied, massively-endowed, concentrated, and incredibly well-delineated, with high but velvety tannin, this is a magnificent wine. It was bottled, as are all the Perse wines, with neither fining nor filtration. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2035.