The 2010 Cotes de Castillon, tips the scales at 15% natural alcohol and is a relatively small production item. Clearly dominating its smaller scaled sibling, this opaque purple 100% Merlot cuvee, from limestone and clay soils, is full-bodied, dense and layered with stunningly rich blueberry and black currant fruit as well as hints of licorice, spring flowers and forest floor. It is full-bodied and dense, with sweet tannin and a very long finish. This is a major sleeper of the vintage. - Robert Parker

Dense and large-scale, offering thickly layered notes of plum sauce, warm fig and blackberry coulis, all wound with bittersweet ganache, freshly brewed espresso and smoldering tobacco notes. The long, velvety finish is aimed squarely at the hedonist crowd. Best from 2014 through 2020. –JM