Château Brillette 2010

Another superb over-achiever from the appellation of Moulis in the Medoc, this wine, a blend of 48% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, shows lots of licorice, barbecue smoke, charcuterie, plum and black currants. It hits the palate with a medium to full-bodied opulence. The tannins are sweet and the acidity adequate to provide definition and vibrancy. This is a beauty. An outstanding effort from proprietors, the Flageul family. A member of the Alliance des Cru Bourgeois du Medoc. Importer: Cynthia Hurley French Wines West Newton, MA 02465 tel. 617-965-4251

Pure, lush and caressing, with lovely mouthfeel to the layers of dark plum, steeped fig and blackberry coulis fruit, which glide along while hints of singed sandalwood, black tea and black licorice fill in through the finish. Drink now through 2023. 11,333 cases made.

Powerful, spicy black-fruit nose, with a good deal of oak and a slight raisiny character. Rich, broad, fleshy, succulent, and backed by hefty tannins. It’s quite extracted and chocolaty, and a bit over the top. Quite good length, chewy finish.

This is still big and tannic. A little over-extracted but shows excellent depth and fruit. Better in 2015.

Dense ruby/purple core. Dark berries and cassis on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with plum and cassis, high acid and a firm backbone, a classic style for long ageing, a bit tight today.

Deep purple, dense at the core, garnet glints at the rim. Cool fruit bouquet showing barely ripe cherries and a touch of sorrel. On the palate it fits a bit better, very straight-lined with a sour-cherry-skin touch on the tongue. (16/20). 12: Plenty of roasted aromas on top, underneath pink pepper and floral notes. On the palate, tannic, grainy and roughening on the tongue, coming across as unripe in terms of the fruit. So a 2000 vintage styled too cool.

Slim, sweet bouquet, morello cherries, wood. Lean, firm palate with little fruit, sandy tannins, sweet finish. 16/20 2015 - 2025

A lovely wine with an easy, supple style and a well-expressed fruit profile. The palate is balanced and delicate, and this wine can be enjoyed young.

Supple, fine, medium-bodied, elegant.