Bright, light, but with focused plum pit and cherry eau-de-vie notes and a splash of violet on the finish.-J.M.

The Fugue de Nénin is a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. It has a light bouquet with floral raspberry and citrus fruit. The palate is smooth and harmonious on the entry with a nice savoury touch lent by the Cabernet Franc. It has pert acidity that lends it a fine crisp, focused finish that is better than recent vintages. Tasted April 2012.

Drink 2016-2025 Driest vintage of the decade and nearly the warmest of the decade (overall), says Jean-Hubert Delon. 88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc. (More Cabernet Franc has been planted so they will soon have 25% Cabernet Franc in the blend.) 15% new barrels. Bright cherry red. Fragrant, graphite and red fruit. Zippy and fresh. Less alcohol and more acid than in 2010. Has that lovely Cabernet Franc freshness that stands out in 2011. Slight and attractive grain to the tannins. (JH) 13.7%