The basic cuvée of Haut-Brisson (95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc) in 2012 is no shy sibling. It is a beautifully made, dense ruby/purple wine with a brilliant display of creamy blackcurrant and black cherry fruit interwoven with spicy oak. This opulently textured, full-bodied wine is another great success from the Kwok family. Of course, the Réserve cuvée is slightly richer and fuller, but this is top-flight as well and a big-time sleeper of this vintage. Drink it over the next decade or more. - Robert Parker