Smoked rosemary on the nose is followed by a hit of cigar box and pencil lead on the attack. There's excellent quality on display here, with well-judged body and mid-palate, and great persistency, although it's pulled up by a shot of acidity on the finish - something that will not be as evident with food. A good life ahead. The estate did not submit a 2011 to this tasting. Jane Anson Decanter

This is well filled out through the mid-palate, with some clear menthol notes on the finish. We are in signature Médoc territory here, with plenty of lift and juice in the fruit still. It's good value for a quality Haut-Médoc too, definitely off the starting blocks, but with another five to ten years ahead. Jane Anson Decanter

Château Latour is situated in the heart of the Médoc wine region, about 50 km north-west of Bordeaux, where the legend of the vineyards of Bordeaux began. The Château’s prime terroir, l’Enclos, overlooks the Gironde Estuary which, over the centuries, has given the vineyard its geological complexity and, on a daily basis, ensures a mild climate. In the years since 1993, under the leadership of the Pinault family, the estate’s owner, significant changes have been made with a view to maintaining Château Latour’s pursuit of excellence in the wines that it produces. Dark ruby in colour with a very elegant nose with beautiful aromatic purity. Generous and powerful on the palate with a velvety mouthfeel, full of silky tannins. Brimming with energy, the finale is superbly precise with fabulous length.

It is silky, powerful, incomparably elegant, and has enormous minerality.

Regarded by many as a candidate for wine of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage. A huge accolade indeed for La Mission Haut-Brion considering the quite phenomenal wines being released. The 2009 can boast a colour that is almost impenetrable and a exciting bouquet of blackberry, truffles and spicy earth. The concentration of the palate is something to behold itself. A vinosity that is hard to find elsewhere, the flavours in the mouth follow on from the nose in nice order, yet the sheer power of the wine quite extraordinary. Layers of flavours continue throughout the palate and continue well into its length. Will no doubt be in short supply as all clamour to get a piece of this Bordeaux masterpiece.

Chateau Grand Meynau Bordeaux presents a dark deep ruby red. Intense, ripe fruits such as plum, raspberry and black cherry expose a lovely complexity when the hint of creamy spice surfaces. The palate delivers a harmonious mix of berries and gentle tannins.