Villa Bel-Air 2010

A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot, this has a very ripe, almost exotic bouquet. The tannins are a little coarse on the entry, quite masculine and foursquare and perhaps missing a little weight towards the pinched finish. Drink 2012- Tasted March 2011.

This property in the Graves is owned and run by the Cazes family of Lynch Bages. Previous vintages here have offered very good quality and delivered attractive, forward drinking with extremely modest release prices. Usually one of the best buys en primeur. The vines (planted in 1988) are now reaching maturity, about half Cabernet Sauvignon, half Merlot with a twist of Cabernet Franc. Aged in 10% new oak and the rest in one and two year old barrels from Lynch Bages. Lovely spice on the nose here with a hint of cinnamon. On the palate this is supple, sexy from the oak and with hints of milk chocolate and coffee. Plummy red fruit and a touch of smoky Graves typicity. Lovely exoticism balanced with freshness. This is going to be really delicious at an early age and represents fantastic value for money. Drink 2014 - 2024

The nose is bright with fresh red fruits lots of red cherry. Juicy fruits are in abundance on the palate the black fruits intermingling with fresher red. Towards the back there is a coffee and chocolate richness giving flesh on the finish.