So much truffle, leaf and autumnal character on the nose. Medium to full body, firm and silky. Bright acidity. Needs some time still to open. But lively and pretty.

The 99 acres of vines at Figeac, near the Pomerol border, are made up of 35 percent cabernet sauvignon, 35 percent franc and 30 percent merlot. The significant proportion of cabernet gives the wine a muscularity that sets it apart from many St-Emilions. Even so, this 2010 is generous and perfumed with bright red fruit, cossetted by black-velvet tannins. There’s sweetness to those tannins, along with a savory tobacco note. This is balanced for years of evolution in bottle.

Good deep red-ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant, bitter cherry and licorice. A dense, penetrating midweight, with a strong core of acidity giving shape and grip to its dark fruit and mineral flavors. Minerals and sweet fruit flavors carry through on the long, suave, gripping finish. Classic, uncompromisingly dry claret with firm but nicely buffered tannins.