Another excellent wine from American broker Jeffrey M. Davies, this blend of two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Sauvignon tips the scales at 13.4% natural alcohol. Filled with notes of unsmoked cigar tobacco, jammy cherries and black currants, it is a sexy, fresh, medium-bodied effort with an attractive texture as well as finish. There are no hard edges to be found in this 2012 Graves. It will be drinkable upon release and should keep for 5-7 years.

This was a so-so showing for this blend of 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon. While the 2011 Mejean tails off in the mouth, it exhibits some notes of herbs, sweet plums and cherries. Drink it during its first 4-5 years of life.

This consistently overachieving estate fashions a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from their 20-acre vineyard. A classic Graves, the 2010 offers up notes of tobacco leaf, licorice, red and black currants and a hint of wet pebbles. This deep, dark ruby/plum-colored effort possesses sweet tannin, medium body and pure charm allied to abundant fruit and texture. Consume it over the next 7-8 years.

This sleeper of the vintage is a blend of 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its dark ruby/purple-tinged color is followed by a big, spicy, tobacco, red and black currant, graphite, and earthy-scented nose. Medium-bodied, generous, and silky smooth, it is ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years.