2010 Figeac

35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot. Deep colour to the rim. Dense, powerful and brooding. Layers of fruit with a gentle, smoky fragrance. Magnificent palate, layered, concentrated but balanced. Powerful but refined tannins. Enormous length on the finish. Still so youthful (so decant if opened now). Clearly, for the very long haul. (JL)

Fennel notes on the first nose, this continues to have an austere architecture at 12 years old, and should be set aside for a few more years. You can feel the juice dripping off the musclaar frame however, and this is just waiting to pounce. So much sinew and concentration to cassis, blueberry and bilberry fruits. As it opens, an earthier, liqourice root and smoked turmeric character comes out, with black truffle and soy. Harvest September 27 to October 18, yield 33hl/h 100% new oak for ageing.