Magdelaine 2007

An earlier drinking year than the others in the lineup, and this is clearly more evolved in colour and aromatic profile, with softer and less precise notes of undergrowth, soy, leather, crayon. Plenty of umami character adds richness through the mid palate, and although there is less fruit than the other vintages of this vertical, it remains moriesh, with the clarion call of limestone ensuring lift on the finish. In its drinking window, charming if soft on the finish. Jean-Claude Berrouet in his last year before retirement, 50% new oak for ageing.

Performing much better than it did from cask, Magdelaine's elegant 2007 (virtually all Merlot) exhibits a Chateauneuf du Pape-like kirsch component intermixed with licorice and spice. Supple-textured, medium-bodied, and fruity, it is ideal for drinking over the next decade. Drink 2010-2020.

This is just lacking some delineation on the nose (which La Serre certainly did have.) More plum and blackcurrant with a touch of fig. A little muffled. The palate is medium-bodied, slightly meaty, more savoury than other Magdelaines which lends it a little more depth and dimension. A little furry and attenuated on the finish but I will be intrigued to retaste this after bottling. Tasted April 2008

I like the chocolate, mineral and berry aromas and flavors in this wine. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, fruity finish.

Fairly pale crimson and looks more developed than many. Fragrant and lifted – very elegant and suave. Dances. Very smooth, fine tannins. Ripe red fruits and a hint of tealeaf. The acceptable face of ‘light’ St-Émilion (cf Belair) with the fruit (just) ripe enough and nice balance. There’s quite a bit of acidity but it’s not excessive and there are no strong under-ripe notes. Not a heavyweight but very well balanced. Drink 2012-2019

Good deep red. Rather clenched aroma of medicinal cherry, with a slightly herbal character. Supple on entry, then a bit tough in the middle, with the medicinal character following through. I find this sample a bit weedy and tough. Lacks a spark. A second sample showed a more chocolatey ripeness and more density but also lacked vibrancy.

There is a rich feel to nose and palate, both fleshed out by ripe black fruits. The power of the fruit mix gives richness to the mid-palate but towards the back the tannins tend to over dominate. The underlying freshness ensures brightness

Medium-bodied, round and supple but there's an absence of fruit depth and length. Has that minerality, though, which provides freshness on the finish. Drink 2011-2020. 3 stars.