Smoked earth, tobacco, drying tannins, savoury black fruits, this is classically balanced claret, understated and juicy, with effortless grip, fully in its drinking window but no need to rush, and almost certainly a vintage that will suprise with its stubborn ability to stay at exactly this drinkable, shareable point for decades to come. 50% new oak. Rating: 92 Points; Jane Anson

The 1999 Léoville Barton has a delightful bouquet that has held up much better than the 1999 Langoa Barton, brimming over with vivacious black fruit, wild strawberry and cedar; hints of tobacco emerge with time in the glass. This is classic Saint-Julien. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit laced with black olive, tar and pencil lead. Classic gentleman’s claret and drinking perfectly now, though it will give another 12 to 15 years of drinking pleasure. Rating: 91 Points; Neal Martin; Vinous