Although it begins with austerity, its acidity and tannins dominant, the palate opens beyond its youthfulness after a few moments. It becomes dark and powerful, certainly still dryly tannic, but the fruit is generous, and the final taste is of beautiful, ripe fruits.

Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. This estate has turned in a very impressive Saint Emilion this year. It is refined and elegant on the nose with notes of redcurrant, raspberry, wild hedgerow and a touch of earth…very natural. The palate is medium-bodied, fine tannin, elegant and poised with a touch of leafiness towards the finish. There is a nonchalance and effortless quality that is very appealing. Not a long-term proposition compared to other vintages, but I would suggest a cut above the rest.

Tasted blind at Farr Vintners' 2006 tasting, the 2006 Château Beausejour-Bécot did not fire on all cylinders as I was expecting. The nose is vibrant with dark berry, blackberry and strawberry preserve, well defined and generous with faint smoky notes developing. The palate is medium-bodied, spicy on the entry with moderate weight, fleshy but just attenuating slightly towards the finish. It has an easy-going sensibility that surprised me, though I suspect that with decanting this would gain more substance. Tasted April 2016. - Neal Martin