Château Giscours 2006

Herbaceous, earthy, truffle notes intermixed with sweet cherries, plums, and currants are present in this soft, medium garnet wine, which is surprisingly evolved and best drunk over the next 10-15 years. I like the wine’s plushness, and the concentration is certainly very good, but this is on a fast evolutionary track.

Crushed blackberry, with hints of rose and lightly stewed fruits. Full-bodied, with a beautiful core of fruit and velvety tannins. The finish is long and beautiful. This is beautifully crafted. Best after 2013.

After initial tastings suggested there was too much tannin, the wine has undergone a welcome transformation. It has become powerful and ripe, deliciously sumptuous, allying the tannins with densely ripe, sweet black fruits. It keeps its sense of balance, but all this density gives aging potential.

Well constructed, with good expression and integration. Lacking some of the effortless class of the best years here, but there are lashings of firm black fruits and hints of patisserie from oak ageing. Displays good Margaux elegance, with just the right amount of 2006 austerity. Tannins are resolving themselves after a number of tough years, and still have a way to go.

Tasted blind. Blackish crimson. Mildly bretty? No focus. Beef extract. Pinched finish. (JR)

The 2006 Giscours seems to have improved in recent years, opening with a bouquet of red and black fruit, white pepper and dried flower—a little more cohesive than previous bottles. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple entry and more fruit concentration than expected, a sort of "mini '05" with a dash of black pepper on the grippy finish. This is worth seeking out.

Firm, strict, classically styled wine, with high levels of acidity that offers more pleasure in the aromatics, with their tobacco, leaf, red berry, spice and earthy nuances, than on the palate. Time could soften things here, but I am not positive on that one. The wine was produced from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.

Bright ruby-garnet. Seductive bouquet of redcurrants, violet and raspberries, with a delicate hint of eucalyptus that enhances the freshness. The palate is juicy and elegant, with ripe acidity, again plenty of red-berry fruit, and silky, delicate tannins. The finish is Burgundian and very long, though on the lighter side in terms of weight, closer to a refined Richebourg.

Bright ruby-garnet color. Seductive bouquet of redcurrant, violet and raspberry, with a delicate hint of eucalyptus underscoring the freshness. Juicy, elegant palate with ripe acidity, again lots of red-berry fruit; silky, delicate tannins, and a Burgundy-like finish that is very long. Still, it can’t be hidden that this Giscours is on the lighter side. Its underlying style is therefore closer to a delicate Richebourg. (18/20). 16: At the moment it is going through an in-between phase—no longer really fruity, and not yet showing the Margaux terroir.

Inky plum colour, a little more austere in its tannic structure than the 2005, more clunky on the opening beats, although it softens into mouthwatering freshness, with blackberry and dark chocolate and a saline finish, that makes it extremely enjoyable to drink. Harvest September 21 to October 9, 50% new oak for ageing. Didier Forêt technical director and Jacques Boissenot consultant.

Dense and velvety, yet with a tannic structure that is still present, the 2006 shows great promise, but it will continue to improve.