Wonderful nose of wet earth, mushrooms and berries. Full to medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Sleek and polished. Needs two to three years of bottle age to soften.

The 2012 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a wine built on finesse. Intensely aromatic and nuanced, the 2012 is decidedly medium in body and structure, yet all the elements are nicely balanced throughout. Sweet tobacco, spices, new leather, cedar, flowers and savory herbs add lovely shades of dimension. The 2012 is a very pretty wine, even if a bit of excitement is missing. At the same time, the 2012 turns darker and more brooding in the glass as the tannins tighten up, which suggests the wine is still settling into its personality. It will be interesting to see how things shape up with more time in bottle. Winemaker Nicolas Glumineau describes 2012 as a challenging and inconsistent growing season that saw high temperatures in the summer alternating with periods of heavy rain. The blend is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, aged in 55% new oak. (AG)

A gutsy, terroir-driven style, with briar-edged grip carrying notes of macerated black currant fruit, fig and plum sauce. Shows lots of dark anise through the finish, along with roasted apple wood and a hint of cassis bush. Delivers excellent range, purity and energy. Best from 2018 through 2027. (JM)