Havens Bourriquot 2003

In contrast to our other Right Bank reserve level wine, Bourriquot features more fine-grained tannins, becoming more elegant early in life than the robust flavors of the Carneros Merlot. The 2003 continues this style, opening with lively tobacco flower and cherry aromas that explode in the mouth. The mid-palate is refined, moderately full and is followed by an expanding, long finish that offers firm, ripe cherries and adds a licorice note. It has firm tannins that support the substantial fleshiness and should assure a good development in the bottle for many years. Bourriquot is unique in California, a wine based on Cabernet Franc and Merlot that attempts to celebrate those grapes' native character, not cover it over.

"Havens' version of Bordeaux's famed Cheval Blanc, the 2003 Bourriquot (a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot), is not as strong as the 2002, but possesses elegant, cedary spice box, tobacco, and smoky notes, and medium-bodied cherry and black currant flavors with hints of oak and spice in the background. Although the finish is short, it is an elegant, round red to drink over the next 6-7 years." 88 Points,
Wine Advocate
December 2005

"Medium red-ruby. Explosive aromas of currant, plum, leather, tobacco and meat. Sweet and rich in the mouth, with highly complex and rather Graves-like flavors of plum, licorice, leather and aged tobacco. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins, lingering sweetness and a suggestion of burning tobacco." 91 Points,
International Wine Cellar
May/June 2006