The 2014 La Gaffeliere appears to have improved since it's showing in barrel (I did hint at this at the time). The nose is perfumed and slightly floral, certainly well defined with neatly integrated oak, dark fruit emerging with aeration in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly edgy, chalky tannin on the entry, shrouded by plenty of dusky black fruit and a potent, graphite-tinged finish. This is one to watch.

65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Meaty, smoky nose with attractive and instant complexity, while retaining plummy primary fruit. Long, savoury palate with firm yet soluble tannins that have bright acid to hurry them along. Great tension, drinking well now, and there's plenty of maturity showing in the savoury/meaty spectrum. (RH)

Blackish crimson. Sweet and spicy with a hint of violets on the nose. On the palate it is so charming that it’s difficult to find the tannins until the very end but this is a really glamorous not-overdone wine. Masses of pleasure and persistence. (JR)

70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. Garnet with a touch of brick at the rim. Plum and leather on the nose. Broad and sweet across the palate with leather notes again. Tannins firm behind but slightly drying on the finish. Some chew as well. Extraction just a little forced. (JL)

Tasted blind. Garnet core. Evolved and sweetly seductive aroma with a touch of mint/leafiness. Leaner than I expected on the palate, a little bit dry on the finish but better balanced than Ch Quintus. Slightly medicinal. (JH)