06 Haut-Bailly, Palmer, Ducru Beaucaillou and Cheval Blanc

2006 Château Haut-Bailly

Ruby. Minerals, cassis, leather and tobacco nose, flirting and just starting to show some maturation. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner and tighter palate than nose, hasn't quite started to let go yet of the firm 06 texture, long finish. 93

2006 Château Palmer

Ruby. Scented, cassis, vanilla and starting leather nose, again a starting maturation on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner and fesh palate, quite elegant if fresh and fruity still, not as structured as some in the vintage. Long. 93

2006 Château Ducru Beaucaillou

Ruby. Cassis, minerals, leather and a slight floral note nose, seductive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lovely freshness even if a bit biting texture, give it five years plus. Very long. 94

2006 Château Cheval Blanc

Deep ruby. Cassis, scented, fruity, fairly intense nose, still a bit tight. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, shut on the palate as well, tight, not quite willing to open. Just like last bottle. Give it ten years. 93 for now.