Beautifully authentic, complex Right Bank nose of ripe and lightly cooked black cherries, plums, and a hint of caramel, pursued by secondary notes of warm leather and spice. The palate has great depth and (quite honestly) surprising concentration, clearly showing the focus on low yields rather than fruit volume; there is weight and texture, with rich cherry jam, baked plum and mocha flavours. It’s a really complete wine – given its relatively humble status and price tag, it is ageing quite brilliantly. Delicious, and a bargain.

Bright red-ruby. Ripe, aromatic, cherry-scented nose. Offers good density and sweetness, with plenty of energy to the ripe cherry fruit. Supple, nicely balanced wine. The fresh finish features sneaky length.

Spicy oak, sweet strawberry and black cherry fruit, and loamy soil characteristics emerge from this light, fruity, straightforward Cotes de Castillon. Drink it over the next several years.