(2014) Before the wines of the estate, this wine from vineyards bordering Château Pontet Canet belongs to AXA and is vinified by Pichon. It used to be classified as Cru Bourgeois, but Christian does not agree on a recent decision to re-classify the Crus Bourgeois annually, which means the wine could - theoretically - be downgraded after a price had been set during 'en Primeur'. It's a 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a a lovely nose showing plenty of bright cherry and cassis and layered with sweet cedar and spices, all rather exotic. The palate has lovely fruit sweetness; really juicy and ripe, with a refined tannin and acid axis that keeps it nicely focused, whilst being open and attractive.