Château Picque Caillou 1995

A bit rough now but should mellow with age. Bright aromas of blackberries and wet earth with a stony undertone. Full- to medium-bodied, with plenty of tannins and a cassis, dried herb finish. Best from 2001 through 2005.

96: Earthy, metallic bouquet. Hard, wiry palate, lots of tobacco, roughening on the tongue; it will never be able to develop any charm. (14/20). 07: Dark garnet, slightly dull but deep at the core. Open bouquet, dark roses, very profound, smoky notes. On the palate, aromatic, slightly vegetal, plum flesh, very artisanal, also a bit cold. An old-school wine that should be decanted. (16/20). 16: At a Wine&Dine in Schindellegi. Now—with bottle age—it has become a little more refined, showing a pleasant sweetness. Good balance.

A lean, fragrant bouquet with notes of green leaves, tobacco and leather. Lean, green, firm, spicy palate with good aromatic expression, a slender structure and green tannins. Dry finish. 16/20 drink – 2017

The colour is beautiful, bright and slightly evolved. When not decanted, the wine is very reduced, with animal notes, and doesn’t really smell good. Once decanted, it shows a more complex, more nuanced and finer mature bouquet. On the palate, the wine lacks body. Light in style, it finishes on a tannic, not very charming finish.