Precision, clarity, tannins are fully present and still towards the front of the mouth. Cassis and blackberry fruits dominante, with waves of bitter chocolate and cocoa bean, this is young and has plenty of time ahead to...

Extremely Cabernet dominant, with savoury black fruit and a ton of Pauillac character. A fairly reserved, finely-boned Lafite, with menthol and tobacco leaf. Subdued right now but in it for the long haul. The vintage with...

2008 Figeac is a sweet and creamy encounter with lots of red berries, raspberries and a candy-like sweetness to it. It is a very charming wine that is just lacking a little stamina and backbone to be really great...

Earthy, truffle, smoke, licorice and tobacco accompany the red fruits. On the palate, the wine continues with its earth theme. There is concentration, but the tannins are strict creating some austerity in the wine. More...

The second wine of Château Pichon-Longueville is soft, perfumed and delicious. It's a wine with plenty of juicy fruit, though at this stage the wood is too dominant. The finish shows a hint of spice. ROGER VOSS

The 2008 Pavie is deep garnet with a touch of brick. It is a tad shy to begin, needing a bit of shaking to wake up an impressive perfume of black cherry compote, plum preserves, and wild blueberries followed by hints of...

Tasted at the estate a few months ago (blind against the five 1855 First Growths, where it more than held its own), and again at home within the same week as this vertical. A great vintage to look out for, with brushed...