1 STANDOUT Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol 97
£120-£161 (ib) Christopher Keiller, Crump Richmond Shaw, Grand Vin, Lay & Wheeler, Montrachet
A blooming bouquet backed by a splendid core of multi-faceted fruit give this real class, which Left Bank wines often lacked in 2012. The highest proportion of Merlot (87%) since the 1985 vintage, which thirdgeneration owner Alexandre Thienpont described as a ‘glass of perfume’. Still improving. Drink 2025-2035 Alcohol 14%
STANDOUT Château Cheval Blanc, St-Emilion 1GCCA 96
£350 (ib)-£645 Berry Bros & Rudd, Bordeaux Index, Harvey Nichols, Jeroboams, Millésima, Montrachet, Sterling Fine Wines, Wineye
A beautifully balanced claret with a fragrant silky texture, fine backbone and length on the palate, promising a long life. Not a ‘big’ wine but a delicious one with class. Made in the spanking new cellar (inaugurated June 2011). Drink 2022-2040 Alc 13.5%
STANDOUT Château Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan 1CC
96 £316.67 (ib)-£528 Berry Bros & Rudd, Bordeaux Index, Corney & Barrow, Cru, Crump Richmond Shaw, Fine & Rare, Grand Vin, House of Townend, Montrachet, VinQuinn, Wineye
This is a gorgeous, voluptuous wine, sweet as a nut all the way through. Red fruits on the nose with hints of liquorice and coffee. The high proportion of Merlot (65.5%) brings extra richness. Drink 2022-2042 Alc 15%
2 STANDOUT Château L’Evangile, Pomerol
96 £110 (ib)-£166.67 Berry Bros & Rudd, Bordeaux Index, Crump Richmond Shaw, Farr Vintners, Fine & Rare, Goedhuis & Co, Ideal Wine Co, Lay & Wheeler, Millésima, Montrachet
Deep-coloured, with real Pomerol ‘flesh’ and structure: a2025-2035 14%
