Magdelaine 2011

Classic jammy cherry notes as well as a distinctive crushed rock and chalky minerality are found in this dark ruby-colored 2011. Medium-bodied, compact and narrowly constructed as well as pure, elegant and attractive, it can be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years.

The Magdelaine 2011 has a fragrant bouquet with raspberry, fresh strawberry and just a touch of blueberry fruit. It is not powerful, but once against takes advantage of the finesse of the vintage, unfurling teasingly in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and great purity, sleek in texture on the entry, building gradually in the mouth rather than offering everything up front. This is a seductive Magdelaine, very composed and refined and perhaps deceivingly structure on the filigree finish. Tasted April 2012.

Wonderful aromatic nose of flowers, blackberry and currants. Full body with fine tannins and a subtle finish. The ripe fruit and fine tannins are subdued right now but show potential for the vintage. This is the last vintage of this wine, as the vineyards have been amalgamated into Bélair-Monange. Better in 2017.

This Saint Emilion Chateau is well situated near to Belair and Canon and the wine is made by the team from JP Moueix. Always a wine of subtlety and purity and quite a contrast to some of the more opulent wines of the village that are more in the "fruit bomb" style. A bright red colour and lots of plump red cherries on the palate. An attractive smoky, smooth texture. Very appealing.

The sweetness of ripe cassis fills out the nose and enriches the start of the palate. The mid palate is firmer with black cherry supported by firm but ripe tannins. The richness of the mid palate gives way to fresher fruits that lighten the finish.

A return to elegance after the meatier 2010. Discreet nature. It has a silky texture and tannins and a limestone freshness. Harmonious. Drink 2018-2028.