The deep colour and forward aromatic mulberry and currant fruit with notes of earth and smoke were appealing at our recent horizontal of the 2004 vintage. However, the wine was somewhat divisive, and some tasters who did not appreciate what I saw as dense, supple texture and good length.  In my view this wine will age gracefully for another 10 to 20 years; with prices substantially under £100 in bond it represents a solid value.

I drank this at Pastis resto in New York City just before my Brunello event on May 18. Love the Paris Bistro vibe. Lovely soft tannins with coffee and cedar with ripe fruit. China tea. Subtle. Cloves too. Full and round with beautiful fruit and a crisp finish. Very ready. At its peak. Tasted June 2016

Intense aromas of currant bush and berries that turn to roses. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a floral, leafy and fruity aftertaste. Builds on the palate. Needs time. Best after 2011.

Deep ruby-red. Aromas of cherry, mocha, milk chocolate and iron. Chewy and on the dry side but stuffed with flavors of cherry, plum, iron, tobacco and mocha. This has fat and sweetness for the year, along with a suggestion of herbs. Finishes with dusty tannins and moderate lift.

Herbal, leaf and cassis and earth aromas, medium bodied, dark red fruits and a dash of bell pepper with some dryness in the finish of this classic styled wine. Tasted Jan 2015

Drink 2008-2018
-Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No 7

This classically-styled claret did not merit an outstanding rating because it lacks sufficient concentration to compete with the estate’s top vintages. However, it offers a dark ruby/plum color, nicely evolved notes of roasted herbs, sweet cherries and currants, and loamy earth, medium-weight, light to moderate tannin, and an elegant style. If it puts on weight over the next few years, it may deserve a slightly higher score. Anticipated maturity: now-2018.

A bottle served at the Chinese following the Calon vertical, this is your typical “chunky” Calon-Segur, the ones you come across in mediocre vintages. A deep garnet colour, the nose is intense with blackberry, bilberry, green peppers and charcoal – all rather unresolved at the moment. The palate is full-bodied with bold and brassy tannins, quite dry, a tangible green streak and lacking some flesh, but then again this is a Saint Estephe. There is a carefree attitude to this wine: you just take it as you find it and don’t make too much of a fuss, so I won’t apart from saying that I actually prefer this to the 2003. Drink 2012-2025. Tasted November 2008.

[“very good” CS 60%, M 30%, CF 10%; average yield 50 hl/ha; picked by 12 Oct; vineyard not touched by any shortage of water according to owner Madame Gasqueton.] Deep purple. Very concentrated and yet fragrant too (this is usually contradictory). Lively, well balanced, very fine tannins, silky textured. Good balance with lots of fruit on the front palate. Quite integrated with minerality like Latour. Mid weight (lighter than Latour). Confident and vivacious without a hint of tartiness. (JR)