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The old school of the UK wine market have long loved the wines of Chateau Talbot, and the 2010 would have them purring. Chateau Talbot is a producer that occupies a large (102 hectares) swathe of land under vine in Medoc and makes wines that are set to a more traditional style, including rich wood scents, firm tannins, some rustic charm and a cassis-meets-violet fruit profile. This is a superb release of the wine, reminscent of classic Talbots that are sinewy when young, but still approachable, and for enthusiasts, glorious with cellar time.

On the rise and rise, Chateau Troplong-Mondot is increasingly considered a peer amongst the 1er Grand Cru Classe producers and perseveres with its lavish, luscious, strking wine styles. The wine is produced by Christine Valette in collusion with famed winemaking consultant Michel Rolland, who has been working with the estate since the 1980s, explaining some of the density and power now found in the wine. This 2010 iteration is 90% Merlot and finishes with a balance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernt Franc. Consider the wine full-flavoured, dense and rich, but with a grace that belies its 15% alcohol

Chateau Leoville-Poyferre''s reputation as a 2nd growth of note has been buoyed by the engagement of renowned consultant winemaker Michel Rolland, whose work has been an influence at the estate since the mid 1990s. Prior, the reputation had struggled until the 1970s and the arrival of Didier Cuvelier, whose labour has helped create a greater reputation, more befitting the Leoville name. The wine has increasingly become one of the finest modern examples of St-Julien, with a move towards later harvests, fuller body, deeper concentration and exceptional length of flavour. 2010 reinforces that Chateau Leoville-Poyferre is a St-Julien wine to relish and cellar for up to and beyond another 30-plus years.