Some inexpensive Bordeaux and 06 Doisy Daëne

2009 Château Lestage: (Listrac)

Ruby. Cassis, some vanilla, slightly scented nose. Some herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, light bodied but fruity, quite lovely even if easy going. 85

2009 Château La Fleur Peilhan:

Deep ruby. Started out rich but fairly nuanced, with air, alcoholic and sweet, even bitter. Feels extracted (14%) and is simply too much for this one. Ungainly. Falls completely apart after ten minutes. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, why on earth? 70

2010 Grand Cannon: (Canon Fronsac)

Ruby. Coffee, rich and ripe nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, somewhat unrefined and not very elegant. Canon Fronsac can do better. 83

2006 Pessac-Léognan de Latour-Martillac:

Ruby. Somewhat scented, graphite minerals, cassis and some cedar. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, some would say maybe a bit lean and/ or austere touch, I find it lively. 86+

2008 Baron de Brane:

(2nd Ch.Brane-Cantenac) Ruby. A bit rough before decanting, then cassis, floral and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit and body, quite lively, good length. 87

2008 Grand Cannon: Canon Fronsac

Ruby. Ripe and somewhat sweet blueberries, vanilla and jasmin nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fairly fresh, good length. 84

2011 Berger Baron (Baron Philippe de Rothschild)

Ruby. Blueberries and slightly herbal. Freshish acidity, ripe and few tannins, very easy going. 78

2006 Château Doisy Daëne:

Golden. Apricots, pineapples, some vanilla, botrytis, pure feel and elegant. Fresh acidity, fruity and elegant palate, lively, lovely body and texture, long. 92+