Balanced, if severe, even at 16 years old, with plenty of Left Bank slate and grilled earth character. The fruits remain fully in play, majoring on blackberry, bilberry and cassis fruits, with the begining of tertiary tobacco, cigar box, mint leaf. Charming, if resolutely old school Talbot in character, less precision than in more recent years. Christian Hostein cellar master, 50% new oak for ageing.

Delicious, yet more proof of how this corner of Bordeaux excelled in 1996, and the drinking window is still going strong. Grilled earth, tobacco leaf, crushed mint, dried roses, liqourice, brambled autumnal fruit, fine tannins with a trace of dryness, but full of pleasure. Christian Hostein cellar master, 50% new oak for ageing.

Sweet cedar, grilled sandalwood and vanilla bean, oak influence clear even though only 15% new barrels used for ageing. This has been extremely well handled, fine tannins, well balanced, juicy finish, not huge appellation typicity but an enjoyable wine majoring on red fruits. Almost 19 hectares of new plantings, meaning lots of young vines. 3.62ph. First vintage with the new plantings. An upscore.

This new 1ha estate owned by Antoine Schmitt is barely more than a few dozen rows of vines right now, but has ambitions that rival its prestigious neighbours. Located directly opposite the wrought-iron gates of Pavie, adjoining the Vauthier family's Haut-Simard, its limestone and sandy soils are underpinned by a bed of clay, and the vines have been in organic conversion since 2021. Not easy to make an impression among the crowded field of St Emilion, but this is vivid plum in colour, glass-staining and vibrant with peony aromatics. The 100% new oak gives a glossy texture, but this feels juicy and balanced with a kiss of gunsmoke alongside black cherry, pomegranate, fennel and sage. Majority Sylvain barrels, long seasoning and gentle toast, it's currently being made in the cellars of Jean-Luc Thunevin's Château Prieuré Lescours, although there are plans for a winery on site. Officially the second vintage, as Schmitt made a wine here in 2021, but the first under under his ownership (there was no 2022 bottled as the former owners sent the grapes to the local cooperative cellar).