2010 D'Arsac

(a 67/33 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot): Red-ruby. Wild, musky aromas of redcurrant, black raspberry and mocha are lifted by a violet topnote. Smooth and pliant on the palate; not particularly complex but satisfyingly sweet. Finishes with slightly edgy but essentially gentle tannins and good persistence.

Dense purple, it offers up notes of black olive tapenade intermixed with cassis, licorice, and some incense. Fleshy, with loads of fruit, it has an expansive, broad mouthfeel and drinkability already, but it will also keep for up to a decade. Proprietor Philippe Raoux has turned out a two-grape blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot that is a sleeper of the vintage. A member of the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Medoc.

33% Merlot, 67% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark crimson. Scented and leafy. Silky, fresh and elegant. Really refined without any showing off. (JH)