The name refers to the fact that Madiran is on the Greenwich Meridian of zero degrees longitude. The wine, from a single parcel, is bold and black in character and color. It is firmly tannic, with plenty of balancing acidity, but the tannins are sweet, now softening into the superripe fruits and chocolate flavors. It will fully mature in the next 2–3 years.
— R.V.
(9/1/2010)
A powerful wine, very concentrated, the tannins a part of the richer fruit and dark brooding character of the wine. There is good juiciness as well, black fruits and acidity cutting through the dominant young tannins.
— R.V.
(3/1/2012)
A delicious wine whose richness is matched by great texture and big, juicy fruits. It has plenty of tannins, but they meld easily into the rich ripe fruits, leaving a wine with a structure that offers considerable potential.
— R.V.
(9/1/2010)
Perfumed wine, from a blend of Tannat and Cabernet Franc. Here is a powerful expression of intense terroir. Very concentrated and dense, with the tannins just beginning to soften, the wine is packed with black ripe fruits, solid and chunky.
— R.V.
(3/1/2012)
There is a solid amount of wood here, but the fruit has weight enough for it. The tannins are dark, brooding in character, but they also support ripe and juicy fruits. With its dusty texture, this wine could certainly be aged for several years.
— R.V.
(9/1/2010)
Certainly tannic but at the same time richly black fruited. This is solid, chunky, with plum and sweet fig fruits, lining a bitter chocolate and dark tannin outer shell. For aging over several years.
— R.V.
(3/1/2012)
The blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat allows this wine to be released young and for the tannins to be accessible. It’s young and fresh, Nouveau in its style, going for bright berry fruits and lively acidity.
— R.V.
(9/1/2010)