Another wine that has been widely available in the United States for many years, this blend of 56% Merlot and the rest mostly Cabernet Sauvignon boasts lots of black cherry fruit intermixed with incense, Christmas fruitcake and spice box in a soft, round, medium-bodied, very elegant style. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. (A member of the Association of Crus Bourgeois du Medoc.)

A fruit-driven, modern style, with accessible cherry confiture and linzer torte flavors that fade into gentle spice and apple wood hints on the finish. Drink now through 2014. 1,800 cases made. -JM

Good cassis fruit, good balance, nicely made, quite forward. Drink 2012-16. (15.5 points)