Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: The northern part of the peninsula, like the south, had an exceptional vintage, leading to unprecedented levels of ripeness for Cabernet and Merlot, on the condition that they were harvested at the right time. Not every winery did so, but even slightly underripe, the aromatics of the grapes can be appreciated by all. A few properties outdid themselves, producing by far the best wines they’ve ever made, as weighty as they are charming, with particularly good Merlot, benefiting from the limestone soils that cover much of the appellation. Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: A bit more sophisticated than Belgrave, with a great nose of blueberry, plum, and some seriously elegant oak (which hasn’t always been the case); class, finesse, breadth, and length—nothing seems to be missing. 17.5