CHÂTEAU D'AURILHAC

In the glass the 2009 has a very dark appearance, showing a red-black hue at its core, with a deeply coloured, thin, smoky-red rim. The nose is very youthful, with smoky and somewhat caramelised oak battling it out against a wealth of sweet fruit, led by the dark scents of blackcurrants and cherry, but there is also a fresh and lifted tinge of strawberry to it that is certainly quite noticeable, along with a rather subtle, leafy, blackcurrant-skin character. It doesn't have more autumnal and earthy edge I know some would look for in the Haut-Médoc, but instead it presents a rather appealing melange of savoury Cabernet fruit set against the sweetness of Merlot, in a frame of oak that yet needs to integrate. The palate confirms this, showing a very firm straitjacket of youthful grip and polished oak at present, with a rather lush fruit texture, nice acidity though, and a lot of substance overall. This is a good wine, showing the worth of a vintage such as 2009, although the grippy tannin, as well as the youthful fruit and oak, don't suggest this is an easy-drinking wine to pop and pour. This is one for the cellar in my opinion Rating: 16 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Sept 2014)

Long-time readers know d’Aurilhac is one of my favorite under-the-radar Bordeaux in top vintages. This impressively made Medoc offers a lot of quality for its price. The 2009 reveals copious black cherry, black currant, earth, and spice notes intertwined with a hint of background oak. A luscious texture, a succulent style, and a juicy, long finish suggest it will drink well for 5-7 years. Rating: 87-89 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (May 2014)

Black red, good spicy fruity wine with warmth and depth. Drink 2013-16. Rating: 16 Decanter Magazine (Mar 2013)