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Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding MW & Young Shi re-taste the Cru Bourgeois 2010s, which Jancis describes as ‘impressive’: “No horrors at all and lots of pleasure, particularly in view of the recommended prices, which ranged from £12 to £20 a bottle”
Ch Beaumont 2010 Haut-Médoc 16.5+ Drink 2015-2023
43% Merlot, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot. Mid crimson. Really interesting, subtle nose. Dry finish but rather artful winemaking on the way there with a bit of the suppleness of fine classed growths. Sophisticated. Far from a blockbuster. Lafite-style Cru Bourgeois!
Ch Charmail 2010 Haut-Médoc 17 Drink 2014-2022
47% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Dark crimson. Rich fruit and some flowers on the nose. No sweetness but very pure and fleshy with a cool finish. Clever, sophisticated stuff. There’s a dry finish but the tannins are not aggressive. Very beguiling and GV. A little more forward than some. Appetising dry finish.
Ch Peyrabon 2010 Haut-Médoc 16.5 Drink 2014-2021
35% Merlot, 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Surely this is more than £7 a bottle! Dark purple. Scented but alluring. Some minerals. Real savour here. Racy and sleek.
Ch Le Crock 2010 St-Estèphe 17 Drink 2016-2028
33% Merlot, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot. Deep crimson. Leafy, cedary dark fruit. Rich, moreish, finely chewy and lovely depth of fruit allied to freshness. (JH)