2004 Chateau du Pin-Franc: This Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend is dry and leafy with some nice blackcurrant fruit and dusty tobacco. Light medium in body, this provides delicious drinking claret for everyday purposes (12.5% ABV)
2003 Chateau Nardou: Although not all 2003s are quite as good as they've been cracked up to be, this modern, sweet and creamily plummy Right Bank claret possesses some smoothly textured tannins and plenty of finish. My advice would be to enjoy this over the next year or two (13% ABV)
Ch Haut Gaudin 2001: I'm a big fan of the 2001 vintage, which wasn't highly rated at the time. This is my idea of classic claret, with its scented aroma, attractive plummy fruit, sandalwood and vanilla overlay. Best of all is its finesse, elegance and harmony. This is drinking now but will also keep for those who like a bit more age (13% ABV).
2002 Chateau Haut Gaudin Cuvee Prestige: This is Haut-Gaudin's top of the range red and it shows in the level of complexity. This is deep and satisfying with inky, cassis and plum fruit, lovely oak and quite firm, but ripe tannins. My advice would be to try one bottle of this now and then drink the other two over the next few years as it continues to evolve and improve (13% ABV.)
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