2004 Côtes de Blaye AOC Vieilles Vignes, Bordeaux, France

Preserved dark berries on the nose, oaky with chocolate and warm spicy notes, but also some rubber. Soft on the palate, perfectly judged, very slightly sweetish oak, rounded, chocolate notes, slightly bitter but soft tannins, moderate berry fruit in the background, not much substance, acceptable to attractive finish.

Best to drink: Bis 2007. What our ratings mean