A firm, closed wine at this young stage, it has weight and a sense of rich fruit flavors. Coming from a limestone vineyard, it wears its minerality on its sleeve, a steely, structured wine, aged in wood, that needs several years to show its best. Give it five years or more.

The 2011 Chateau-Fuisse Les Combettes has a tightly coiled, slightly earthier bouquet compared to the other cuvees. Eschewing new oak, the fruit is allowed to blossom with subtle honeysuckle notes emerging with time. The palate is very well-balanced with hints of quince and dried apricot. This is very elegant and poised with an approachable, generous finish that is as fresh as a daisy. - Neal Martin