Cru bourgeois 2014 - Decanter Panel Tasting - part II

The firm tannins are cradling some pretty fruits here and there is a sense of cohesion. An enjoyable old school Médoc.

Cassis and blueberry purée tumble out of the glass, with a sprinkle of coal dust and some typical Médoc tannins making an appearance at the end.

Lively and curranty, this is typical of the vintage style. It is cool-toned and full of the acidic energy of youth and a seam of liquorice.

Fairly controlled on the attack, this suggests good clean extraction and a subtle fruit delivery. There is a pleasant freshness that runs through the palate here.

This is rich and smooth, the alcohol is perhaps a touch full but the fruit carries it along waves of vanilla and lands on a firm finish.

Cut from a generous cloth this is chunky with grilled dark fruit and a toasty oak overlay. Clearly young still, it might take a few years to soften.

There is personality and freshness here, perhaps with some overly bitter coffee grounds and tea caddy scents. A little raisined, but food would spruce it up.

There is a jaunty fruit character here of blueberry and bramble, underpinned by chocolate and some savoury cigar warmth.