Imperial ruby. For me, ’06 rouge is the prodigal son vintage: wines I loved on release, now lost in the wilderness. There’s lots of juice here. The finish is succulent and rich. Yet overall the experience is ripe but smudgy, all myrtille and mace, extracted if a bit indistinct. Does a great wine always return again, to rediscover his greatness in some form? I have always felt that way. But be prepared to wait: I still have a light on for my ’96s.
