The 2009 Les Tourelles de Longueville is a delicious second label from Pichon Baron. The nose is straight-down-the-line, classic, pencil box-infused black fruit, not powerful but actually quite classic in style. Indeed, to my surprise that palate appears to have firmed up since I last tasted it, lost some of that puppy fat and turned into a delightful if conservative (for the vintage) Pauillac. Factor in price and you are onto a winner. Enjoy now but don't be afraid to tuck away a couple of bottles because it has commendable substance. Tasted January 2017.

A polished, fleshy, forward style, with velvety-textured notes of crushed plum, fig sauce and mulled cherry fruit laced with sweet spice and cocoa hints. A licorice edge drives the finish along. Drink now through 2018. 10,000 cases made.

Firm in character, but still there is plenty of juicy Merlot, pricked with toast and baked plums. The acidity is intense.