The 2014 La Parde de Haut-Bailly, the estate's second label, is a very serious wine at this level. Savory herbs, tobacco, smoke, gravel and black fruits open up in the glass. A firm spine of tannin and kick of acidity on the finish rounds things out in style. The 2014 is delicate and finessed to the core, but with plenty of depth. The blend is 56% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc.

The La Parde de Haut-Bailly 2014 is a blend of 56% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc. It has a slightly candied, high-toned bouquet of blackcurrant pastilles and a hint of cassis, nicely defined if not complex. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly jagged tannin on the entry, plenty of dry tobacco infusing the black fruit with a firm, rather austere finish. Not bad, but I'd rather trade up to the Grand Vin.

56% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc. They put all their Cabernet Franc in this wine and are busy pulling it out here. Dark crimson. Clear and fresh – good brisk refreshing fruit. Zippy stuff, even if without great weight. (JR)