The cork shows sign of some seepage. Medium-plus and quite young in colour. The nose is right from l’Arlot’s more gothic implementation of stems – it’s a bit harsh and imposing, not quite what I’d call perfume – there’s also a strong mineral element that veers towards, without ever quite matching, the vintage character of 2004. Aromatically it’s a mixed bag then. In the mouth it’s intense, brooding and shows very good acidity. The tannin only comes a little to the fore in the mid-palate and onwards. It’s also quite long finishing. There’s a little cohesion missing though the individual parts seem good – I don’t think I caught it on a good day…

Medium, medium-plus colour. Depth and density on the nose – only very faints stems. A very nice width of ripe fruit aided and abetted by some barrel flavour. Long finishing and very tasty.

Medium-minus colour. A friendly and complex nose; faint, very understated smoky stems overlayed with mainly black cherry notes. The palate is very well balanced, good acidity and still quite linear, though ripe fruit. The tannins are understated, heading for the background, but still with a last edge of astringency. Overall a very interesting and understated wine where, today, most of the action comes from the lovely aromatics.

Medium-minus colour. A friendly and complex nose; faint, very understated smoky stems overlayed with mainly black cherry notes. The palate is very well balanced, good acidity and still quite linear, though ripe fruit. The tannins are understated, heading for the background, but still with a last edge of astringency. Overall a very interesting and understated wine where, today, most of the action comes from the lovely aromatics.

Medium ruby-red colour. The nose starts with prominent stalky smoke, slowly becoming more subtle. With time the nose tightens but still shows a faintly cream-tinged red-fruit jam. Nice texture though the acidity is obviously low. The fruit is ripe and sweet, though only a medium length finish. well-made with a lovely nose that currently overshadows the palate.

Medium-plus cherry-red. A little tighter, more linear and darker shaded than the l’Arlot. Lots of action on the palate, bulkier with more tannin, brighter fruit in the background. Again the weight of dry extract on the finish. A good wine, but I still prefer the l’Arlot in this vintage