A thrilling offering from proprietor Denis Durantou (who also owns Pomerol’s l’Eglise-Clinet), this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc is a surprisingly large-scaled Cotes de Bordeaux Castillon revealing a dense ruby/purple color as well as lots of sweet mulberry, kirsch, black currant, licorice, spring flower and graphite notes. Medium to full-bodied as well as remarkably concentrated, this wine outperforms many of Bordeaux’s more famous names in this vintage. A stunner in quality and value, it can be enjoyed over the next 10+ years. It is a sleeper of the vintage. 90 points

Good full medium red. Aromas of red cherry, mint and black pepper, with some obvious caramel oak (this was aged in 50% new barrels). Fat, lush and suave on entry, with layered flavors of red plum, red berries and balsamic herbs, then turns tight and peppery on the back end. Finishes chewy and persistent, with some lingering oakiness. 88 points