2000 Château Petit-Village

The 2000 Château Petit Village does not appear to be evolving as well as I initially hoped. Here, two bottles opened, offering lifted dark cherry intermixed with beef stock and soot, secondary aromas playing a bigger part than I would have expected. The palate is likewise quite rustic but with admirable depth, supple in the mouth with cedar and earthy notes on the foursquare finish. Given the choice of the 2000 or the 2001, I would probably now opt for the latter. Tasted January 2016.

Looks quite an evolved mid brick colour. Odd 'warmed liquorice' notes on the nose – apparently fully resolved but by no means unpleasant – rather comforting. Sweet start, pretty light-bodied. Slightly rusty tannins on the finish – leaves one with a furry impression. Not the purest or freshest of fruit. Competent without being thrilling. (JR)

Deep crimson. Smells like a fully mature wine! Sweet and evolved on the nose. Gentle, round, and rather timorous on the palate. Some Pauillac rigour to the shape and structure. Strange. Good roundness – just no lift. (JR)