2012 Château Giscours, Margaux, Bordeaux

Dark crimson. Hint of wood shavings on the nose. Well-melded fruit and great balance on the palate. Nothing forced, with real zest and great balance. Something a little meat flavoured about this – a welcome change from all the obvious sweetness.

This deep, dark ruby-colored effort reveals developed and forward notes of licorice, roasted herbs, sweet black currants, incense and a touch of smoky barbecue/oaky characteristics. The tannins are soft and the wine is round, medium-bodied, plush and charming. While it is not the richest or most concentrated 2012, it is well-balanced and seductive. Enjoy it over the next decade or more.

Tasted at the Château Giscours vertical and a few months later again at the property, the 2012 Château Giscours is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc picked between September 27 and October 17. It has a rather conservative nose with raspberry, fresh strawberry, tobacco and light licorice scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple black fruit, but with slightly aggressive acidity. Like the 2013, though to a lesser extent, it needs to show a little more concentration and finesse on the finish; but otherwise, enjoy this over the next decade or so. Tasted March 2016.

A polished, silky style, with cashmere tannins that let the supple plum and boysenberry fruit glide along. Suave black tea chimes in on the finish. Appears easygoing at first, but there's ample stuffing here. Solid.