This juicy Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend is balanced and fresh with great red fruits and soft tannins. Acidity gives a crisp flavor while the fragrant smokiness allows for future development. This comes from a nine-acre, high-density, hand-picked parcel on a limestone plateau among the Querre family vineyards. Drink from 2017.

This features a solid core of ripe, enticing plum, anise and blackberry compote notes, framed by judicious toast. The finish reveals a graphite spine. Drink now through 2017.

One of the better wines from Castillon, this wine, from the Neipperg family, exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, nice spice, earth and red and black fruits. It is medium-bodied with light tannin and a soft underbelly. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. A sleeper.