A classic St.-Emilion, the 2010 from Grand-Pontet is dense purple and ripe, with loads of black cherry, plum, fig and vanillin notes. The wine has a full-bodied yet luscious and succulent mid-palate that gives it accessibility now despite some elevated tannins in the long finish. It is well-made and generally one of the better values of St.-Emilion. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028.

Showy and densely layered, with lots of linzer torte, cassis, blackberry pate de fruit and plum sauce flavors that march in unison, while a strong graphite spine rivets the finish. Solid.