Although slightly less impressive than I expected, the 2008 is, nevertheless, an excellent wine made from primarily Merlot grown on the plateau of St.-Emilion’s sandy, clay and limestone soils. This medium to full-bodied offering reveals plenty of black cherry and underbrush notes intermixed with notions of crushed rock/minerality. It is a pretty, mid-weight claret to drink over the next decade or more.

Dark, alluring flavors of blackberry, anise and espresso mingle in this sleek red, which is medium-bodied, but shows real drive, with firm, well-integrated tannins and a light kick of alcohol. Showy, but remains balanced. Best from 2013 through 2017. 500 cases made. -TM

Eucalyptus, oak and crushed fruit aroma. Weighty with supple tannins, lots of pure plummy fruit and potential fragrance to come. Forward, yet youthful. Alc: 13.5%.