This is a wine located next to Batailley that I regularly tip as value for money and do so again here. It’s not as exuberant as some, a little austere at the moment and lacking the depth that perhaps it had in 2016, but it’s highly enjoyable with plenty of Pauillac markers; slate, cassis and tobacco that will fill out over time. There is a savoury edge to the fruit alongside spice and tannins with a lovely juicy lift on the palate and a menthol freshness on the finish. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. An extremely generous yield of 52hl/ha - the kind that turns some of their neighbours green. Drink 2025 - 2038. 91 points

The 2018 Haut-Bages Monpelou is plump, juicy and forward, all of which make it an excellent candidate for near and medium-term drinking. This is an especially bold, racy Pauillac built on fruit density and voluptuousness. Inky dark blue fruit, lavender and sweet spice lead into the layered, expressive finish. 89-91 points