2009 Cap de Faugeres

The 2009 is possibly the best Cap de Faugeres yet made, a sleeper of the vintage, and a realistically priced one at that. A blend of 85% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 14% natural alcohol, the wine displays loads of charcoal, blackberry, espresso roast and white chocolate. It is full-bodied, unctuously textured, with very sweet tannin and stunning purity, texture and length. This is a super-duper wine, bottled unfined and unfiltered under the guidance of the consultant Michel Rolland. Drink it over the next 10+ years. Under new proprietor Silvio Denz, the wines from this property, as well as his Chateau Faugeres in St.-Emilion, have gotten better, even by the high standards maintained by the previous proprietor.

This is pretty, earthy and spicy, with blueberry and blackberry character. Full body, with polished tannins and a lively finish. The dried citrus fruit really comes through here. Better in 2015, but so delicious now. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com

Lovely blueberry and mineral character, with hints of dried flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine, slightly chewy tannins and a clean finish. A little austere