This has an excellent oak finesse to the nose, joined in the mouth by damson fruits and a clear sweetness, without being overpowering. It`s extremely concentrated, and clearly more successful than Picque Caillou`s white in this vintage. 34% new oak. Owned by Pauline Calvet. Valerie Lavigne consults.Drink 2026 - 2040. 92 points

Darkest cherry colour. Fresh black and, unusually, dark-red fruit. Fragrant, if a touch charry. On the palate, the tannins are dry yet refined, there’s none of the thickness that is so common this year. Fresh too and with good balance in a vintage of extremes. Just a bit too charry at the very end. Drink 2024-2030. 16 points.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Picque-Caillou leaps from the glass with bold notes of blackcurrant cordial, blueberry pie and preserved plums with hints of damp soil, truffles and camphor. Full-bodied, it gives mouth-filling black fruits with loads of minty sparks and a firm, chewy frame, finishing long and earthy. 91-93+ points

This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. The yield was 41 hl/ha. The alcohol is 13.5%. It has a rather perfumed nose, of peonies and rose petals, with a little sulphurous note which seems to dominate the aromatic profile at the moment. The palate shows a lightly gripped substance, with a firm bed of tightly knit tannins, wrapped in coffee bean, tobacco and cocoa bean character. It finishes with an admirable grip. All in all, an attractive effort in this vintage from this estate, which is located close to the city. The élevage will be in 34% new, 28% second-fill and 38% third-fill oak barrels. 90-92 points