(2017) Made for C&B by the illustrious J-P Moueix of Pomerol, intriguingly the suggestion is that this is the perfect match for Murgh Tikka Makhani - a choice that surprised me, though I can see the logic in a wine with power and a bit of real grip that might well take on curry. Mostly Merlot, pencil-shaving notes over plum fruit, before a firm palate, the dark-toned fruit has a bit of bittersweetness, and the acidity gives the cut rather than the tannins which are sandy but not dominant.

(2017) I last tasted this wine 'en primeur' in 2011 when I rated it 89 points, so nice to come across it again with six years more in bottle. The estate is managed by Alain Vauthier of the famous Château Ausone, and the wine is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. There's a gentle floral aspect to the nose, but that's part of a fairly complex picture with savoury, dark fruit and hints of earthiness, green pepper and some cocoa. On the palate it is juicy and lean, the tannins and very plum-skin grip of acidity give it definition, but there's a hint of cocoa and coffee again, and sufficient berry fruit to make it very appealing along with some roast beef perhaps.

(2017) Last tasted in 2015 when I rated it 90/100, this is cellaring very well indeed, still showing that ripeness of fruit that is modern and appealing, but not at the expense of classic Médoc character, a hint of game, cedar and liquorice, a pleasing dose of volatility leading on to a curranty, dry palate, but there's a slick chocolate to the tannins, the 14% alcohol no doubt aiding that generous mouthfeel, into a long finish where the sweet fruit persists.

(2016) This estate was purchased by Alain Vauthier of Château Ausone in 2008. It feels youthful yet approachable, with touches of cedar and stemmy green Cabernet to solid black fruit (that some will like more than others), though the elegant framework of supple tannin, easy acidity, coffee and fruit concentration harmonious on the palate. Drink or hold for a few years.

(2016) Very pure, dense, sweet black fruit, creamy, with very nice mouth-filling and coffee touched character, great tannins and fresh cherry acidity. Lovely balance. Long and composed, but with great fruit expression.

(2016) A high 25% Petit Verdot in the blend here, aged in 50% new barrels.  Delightful nose, with spices and a hint of real exoticism, plenty of fruit too, dense and sweet, with some floral aspects on the nose that translate into a fine, sweet fruit core, good structure and a lovely tannin and acid balance. Five years+ cellaring potential.

(2016) Deep and full, a little richness. There is a red plum fruitiness to this, but then there is a tight structural element too, grippy from the tannins, but also a cassis and cassis skin bit of grip and tension, the wine staying lively and focused, the sweetness reasserting in the finish. Delicious in the end.

(2016) Fragrance here, the lovely combination of creamy and tobacco notes with a tight, refined fruit quality. The palate has a little meat and chewy tannic structure, but there is good freshness again. Not at all heavy, showing a nice drinkability but there is some depth and weight here too, savoury and nicely balanced.

(2016) A nice perfume here, before a big sour cherry and black plum skin grippy palate, that big raft of sour flavour is lovely against the touch of chewy tannin and the little chocolate richness of the barrel. Long, fresh, tannic at this stage.

(2016) A sense of ripe gaminess to this 2012, with meaty, smoky notes from the oak, but also a ripeness to the fruit. Lovely fruit sweetness comes through, the first wine of this five-wine tasting where the sweetness of the fruit is winning against the tannic heft of the structure, finishing on sweet fruit and spice. Plenty of sour cherry acidity to freshen the finish too.