Graves

• Pessac-Leognan

Its hard to believe that a First Growth can exceed expectations, but this one did.  From a good not great vintage, this wine was tremendous.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose is great with cherries, chocolate, and slight tobacco.  A soft texture that makes the wine very accessible.  Some silky tannins.  This is delicious.  Young but open.  Cherries and milk chocolate on the palate.  This will work with heavier foods.  This should get better over the next couple of decades, but it is great right now.  

From the venerable Chateau Haut Brion, this is an inexpensive rose.  A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  Light salmon in color.  Strawberries on the nose.  The palate is clean with "red berries", mostly strawberries.  This is easy and drinks well.  Perhaps not the energy or brightness it had last year, so these should probably be drunk sooner than later.  Works well with food.  

Purple/Ruby in color.  The nose is dusty with dark cherries, cedar and slight dill.  On the palate, there is black cherries and tobacco.  Firm tannins.  Juicy acidity.  This is the second wine of Pape Clement and cost $35.  It did keep improving as it opened with air.  Probably needs some cellaring for a while to hit peak.  It is good now but should improve.