Meyney 2012

The 2012 Meyney has an attractive blackberry, wild hedgerow and sous-bois bouquet that demands a bit of coaxing from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins supporting black fruit laced with orange peel and white pepper. There is decent weight and density on the finish, completing a very capable and enjoyable Meyney. Drink over the next decade. Tasted at a vertical at Château Meyney. 2020 - 2030

Tasted blind at 2012 Ten Years On. Deep ruby with a garnet fade. Smoky, rich black fruit on the nose, layered with graphite, incense and hints of game. The palate is muscular, with rich and chewy tannins framing oily black fruit at the core. The tannins melt through the mid-palate, allowing the deeply savoury fruit to shine through. Hints of cedar, forest floor and nutmeg all come through. Bursting with Saint Estephe typicity, this has crunch, savour and depth. The long finish points to further potential ageing, but the softening structure means this is now ready to drink. Decant for 30 minutes now, and enjoy from the cellar for 10+ years.

This estate is quickly returning from a long period of mediocrity. This sleeper of the vintage exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to copious notes of black raspberries, blueberries, loamy soil and roasted Provencal herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it should drink well for 10-12+ years. Drink 2013-2025.

Mid garnet. Still going strong. Definitely underpriced. There is a real core of fruit here. For a mature claret with personality, this is VGV. 13.5%. Drink 2020 – 2033

Deep ruby garnet in colour with a meaty, rich and savoury nose, accented by wild berries. The palate is dense and rich, with ripe cassis at the core. Very Medocain with structure and savour to the fore, there are herbal and meaty accents to the fruit. There are layers of toasted spices, cedar and camphor on the bold and intense finish. Drink now with a decant, or over the next 10+ years.