Consistently one of my “best buy” picks from Graves is this large estate owned by the Leveque family producing both delicious red and white wines. An equal part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2011 Chantegrive offers an excellent value/price rapport. Classic notes of unsmoked cigar tobacco intermixed with red and black currants, barbecue smoke and spice jump from the glass of this fleshy, medium-bodied, beautifully pure and textured wine. It is a terrific success in this difficult vintage. This big-time sleeper of the vintage should be drunk over the next 7-8 years.

A major sleeper of the vintage from the least consistent appellation of the vintage, this 2011 Graves exhibits a dense plum/purple color along with a big, rich nose of black currants, cherry jam, balsam wood and roasted herbs. With loads of fruit as well as beautiful purity, elegance, definition and freshness, this beauty should be enjoyed over the next 5-7 years.

Very dense colour, rich blackcurrant nose with tobacco hints, good ripeness, smooth texture and supple tannins. An attractive wine. Drink 2014-2018. (16 points)