This is a top-notch wine; it's premier grand cru classe (level B) of Saint Emilion; I was really looking forward to cracking it open.

In the event, it was even better than I had anticipated. Eminent wine critic Robert Parker gave this vintage 96/100 and while I'm no accolyte of the man, it's good to know I own something that is held in high regard.

The nose was strong with soft earth, composty and dark mushrooms, blackberries, cherries and thyme.

It has a massive, mouth-filling palate with lots of tannins, a black fruit load and a long, velvety finish. It has a wonderfully balanced structure in which the tannins, acid, fruit and sweetness mingle happily to produce a wine of fantastic pleasure.