2012 Mas de Daumas Gassac

75.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.5% Merlot, 4.4% Tannat, 3.9% Cabernet Franc, 1.8% Malbec, 1.8% Pinot Noir, 7% rare varieties. This has become more meaty alongside the black fruit but also has become fragrant with a herbal garrigue scent. Still firm but more chalky than dense. Very dark-flavoured on the finish and rather closed for now. (JH)

75.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.5% Merlot, 3.9% Cabernet Franc, 4.4% Tannat, 1.8% Malbec, 1.8% Pinot Noir, 7% rare varieties. TA 3.33 g/l (sulphuric), pH 3.63. Clove, leather and black olive. Very classical and savoury. Medium body and soft tannins, with virtually no bite to them whatsoever. Gentle and quite straightforward on the palate, with restrained fruit and a modest length. (RH)

Viognier, Chardonnay, an unspecified Manseng and Chenin Blanc. Honeyed Viognier elbows its way to the front on the nose but there is admirable tang (thanks to the Manseng?) and acidity (Chenin?). Complex and saved from being fat. Already fun to drink but it tastes as though it will become more interesting. Still a bit tense on the finish. (JR)