Four from Bordeaux and one Barolo

2009 Château Brun:

Ruby. Blueberries and slightly herbal and bell peppers. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, on the lean side for Saint-Emilion. 86

2002 Château Sociando Mallet:

Ruby. Cassis, leather and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, still a bit astringent, needs decanting or cellar age to round off. Wait five years. 89

2009 Château Coutet (Saint-Emilion)

Deep ruby. Rich and sweet nose, blueberries and licorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and quite massive body. For those who like this style. 86

2009 Château de Pressac:

Deep ruby. Blueberries and vanilla nose. Medium acidity, ripe tannins, mellow texture, easy going but fruity. Good length. 88

2008 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco:

Ruby. Tar and roses, intense nose, some violets and licorice. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, fruit driven Barolo, long. 90