2007 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan

As one might expect, this is not a big, deep effort, but rather a wine of quintessential elegance. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by complex, cedary, burning ember, charcoal, menthol, blueberry and raspberry notes. Medium-bodied, elegant, and complex, it is best consumed over the next 7-8 years.

Bright ruby-red. Burgundian aromas of black raspberry, coffee, mocha and smoked meat, lifted by sexy oak. Fat, supple and lush if a bit reduced, with an enticing sweetness but good framing acidity to the flavors of dark cherry, currant and coffee. Finishes with chewy but sweet tannins and very good breadth. A good showing.

Deep black-cherry colour. Sweet, perfumed dark fruit, a little cedary. Silky, fluid and light on the mid palate but scented and elegant. Not for the long term. (JH)

Blackish purple with a little maturity at the rim. Mild, fresh super-fruity nose. Round and fruity start with some light, slightly green tannins on the finish. Competent certainly without being terrifically exciting. A hint of green on the finish. (JR)