2011 Lynch-Bages (Pauillac)

Deep rich garnet hues. Lush, refine nose of fruit with hints of cream - increasingly detailed since Jean-Charles Cazes took over. Gorgeous entry with great presence leading to a fat and threaded palate. Lovely streak of cream running on the mouth-filling and layered mid-palate. Bursting with savours of cabernet sauvignon on finish. Polished and utterly delicious. 90 points

Like Pontet-Canet, this is a château that continues to make a mockery of the 1855 classification. There’s much more Merlot in the blend than usual because it suffered less from the drought than the other varieties, according to Jérôme Le Roux, and 75% new oak because of the “tannic structure”. The result is a rich, hedonistic red blend, bursting with blackcurrant and liquorice flavours and dense, yet supple tannins. 10+ years. 95 points