“The 2019 Réserve de Pichon Comtesse has an open-knit, slightly meaty bouquet with dried blood infusing the brambly red fruit. A little rustic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, moderate depth, off-dry with a nicely proportioned, pencil shaving-tinged finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.”

“The 2019 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande demands more coaxing from the glass, but it rewards patience with compelling graphite-infused black fruit, unapologetically classic in style, the terroir flooding through. The palate is medium-bodied with wonderful sapidity, gorgeous balance and a pure yet powerful finish that makes you wish you could build a time machine and taste it in 20 years. Sublime. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.”

“Aromas of blueberries and blackcurrants with some stone and sandalwood undertones. Medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a fresh and delicious finish. Classy tannins that are fine and textured. Such sophistication. Drink after 2027 and onwards.”

“Smooth, seductive and finely textured, this is both sleek and strict, with a savoury, crushed stone saline tang alongside tobacco, tar, ripe black cherries and soft floral scents; the Cabernet really makes its mark. Sexy and rich, less immediately charming than the 2019 was at this point - it’s more restricted and coiled but more sophisticated, elegant and refreshing - a wine you want to sit and think about while the aromas and flavours open and evolve. Lovely definition, weight and texture overall. A clear stand out.”

“Dark bramble berries with lots of perfumed aromas; purple flowers, iris and violets with blueberries and pomegranates as well as some earthy notes. Rich, and seductive, this has an immediate weight in the mouth - opulent with structure and thickness to the tannins even though they are fine, this has weight and density. Lots of liquorice and blackcurrant but well integrated. It’s smooth, with a soft juicy core, and slow expansion of the elements. Definitely concentrated, intense and powerful but poised and driven. Generous and friendly. 3.8pH. Ageing 12 months, 50% new, 50% one-year-old barrels.”