The 2017 La Croix de Beaucaillou sees 60% new oak for 12 months, with a fairly high IPT of 75. It has a ripe and generous bouquet of blackberry, fresh fig, cedar and crushed violets that blossom in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, that structure making its presence felt towards the finish that exerts an insistent grip. As such, this will probably require three or four years in bottle just to soften the edges. 90-92 points

The Merlot here is grown on sandy-gravel soils and brings both freshness and structure. There`s good balance, plush autumnal berry fruits and lovely spice, supported by well placed, delicate tannins. It`s a clear Médoc twist on the varietal, even though this is a little lusher and more approachable than in recent years where Cabernet Sauvignon has been higher in the blend - last year it was at 66%, but vintage conditions in 2017 affected some of the crop. It`s a little different in expression from 2016, but is an extremely high quality, great drinking wine. 3.74pH. IPT 75. 91 points

No frost – protected by the river. 58% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot – usually majority Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is on gravel and it had great freshness, says owner Bruno Borie. pH 3.74, TA (sulphuric) 3.46 g/l, IPT 75. Will be aged 12 months in French oak, 60% new. Deep crimson. Again that scented cherry fruit that I tasted in Lalande Borie with just a hint of char. Savoury as well as sweet-fruited – definite red fruit on the silky mid palate. Firmer on the finish but lots of fruit in the middle and a long, juicy, fresh finish. Fine tannins and just a hint of chocolate-sweet tannins on the finish. 16.5 points

This is not a second wine per se, as it consistently comes from a separate vineyard in Saint-Julien. The blend is usually around 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, but this year it has a high percentage of Merlot: 58%, with 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 La Croix de Beaucaillou has quite a spicy nose sporting cloves, anise, black pepper and fenugreek with a core of crushed blackberries and black currants plus wafts of underbrush and potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and great freshness supporting the vivacious fruit, finishing long and earthy. 89-91 points