The 2015 Fonbel, which you might regard as the entry-level wine of the Vauthier family, is a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carmenère and 5% Petit Verdot matured in stainless steel and French barrels (30% of the crop.) It has a straightforward, lavender-tinged bouquet with a chalky scent that becomes more apparent with aeration. It is a little tight compared to the 2015 Simard at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin and a fine thread of acidity. Smooth with dark cherries, red plum and cassis notes, it exerts a pleasant grip on the finish. The class comes through in the mouth at the moment, but the aromatics will catch up during their élevage. 90-92 points

Mainly Merlot but 5% each of Carmenère and Petit Verdot as well. Lively, fresh and aromatic – plenty of energy. Supple and lively on the palate with fine tannins giving grip on the finish. Will offer good value. 88 points

Mid crimson. Fresh, relatively simple but very pleasing. Lively and lightish. 16 points

One of the few wines in Bordeaux to include Carmenère in the blend - although Alain Vauthier is not a huge fan of the grape - this is supple, textured and quite forward in style with sweet plum and raspberry fruit. Drink: 2020-24. 91 points

The 2015 de Fonbel is another intense wine from the Vauthier family. Plum, crème de cassis, menthol, violet and lavender notes are fused together in this super-expressive, unctuous Saint-Émilion. The 2015 is rich, exotic and super-concentrated, yet it has also retained striking freshness. This is yet another 2015 Bordeaux that is pure pleasure. The blend is 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carménère and 5% Petit Verdot, done mostly in stainless steel, with about 30% oak. 89-92 points