A major sleeper of the vintage, this under-the-radar Pauillac from the owners of Pichon Longueville Baron comes from a 42-acre vineyard, and the blend is divided equally between two grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Classic smoky barbecue notes intermixed with cassis, forest floor and cedar jump from the glass of this dense purple, thick, unctuously textured, rich and heady wine, which can be drunk in 3-4 years. Moreover, it should last for up to two decades. This is normally not too expensive a wine, since consumers do not follow it closely, so readers should take note.

Lots of cassis fruit, good energy and grip, briary depth and a good future.