From proprietress Catherine Pere-Verge, this solidly constructed, masculine-styled Pomerol is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Leafy, herbal notes intermixed with notions of cigar tobacco, black currants, licorice and truffles emerge from this medium-bodied, nicely-concentrated 2012. Drink it over the next decade or more.

From a stable of vineyards owned by the late and dynamic Madame Péré-Vergé, the 2012 Montviel has an opaque purple color. One of the best ever from this estate, this wine has an extra level of concentration and richness. It is dense, medium to full-bodied, ripe, rich, not terribly complex as of yet, but exhibiting plenty of promise and potential. Forget it for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 15 or more.