USA

While Christian Moueix hails from a dynasty built on the finest Merlot-dominated wines, he has always believed in the combination of Cabernet and Napa, and it is fitting that this, essentially third wine of the estate, is represented in a similar manner to its grander siblings. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot, and matured for 14 months in older French oak barrels, this is surely the best release of Othello to date. Inviting, fresh blackberry aromas, with deeper notes of plum and high notes of cherry, redcurrant and warm citrus, with supporting touches of graphite and crushed dark flowers. This is made to express the Napanook terroir in a style that is approachable on release, it is medium-bodied, with fine sandy tannins, excellent freshness, and long crisp red and dark fruit flavours. 2-9 years.  "Lots of blackberries, dark cherries and hints of orange peel and bark in the aromas. Medium to full-bodied with fine creamy tannins that caress the palate. The tannic tension gives this focus and brightness. Hard not to drink now, but better in two to three years." 96/100 James Suckling "Deep garnet-purple in color, it skips out of the glass with right, cheery notes of fresh blackberries, juicy black plums, and redcurrant jelly followed by hints of graphite, black olives, menthol, and lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate is light on its feet and lively, with soft silt-like tannins and bright crunchy red and black fruit flavors, finishing with a minty lift." 93/100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent

92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and a drop of Petit Verdot, aged in French oak (20% new) for 16 months. This is an especially refined Napanook with a luxurious tannin structure, opening with a classy and complex nose of cassis, blood orange, blueberry and cherry fruits, earthier notes of tobacco, truffle, tilled soil and graphite, and a host of exotic wood spices. On the full side of medium-bodied, this has a delightfully persistent rose-like perfume and notes of citrus which add to a sense of brightness and lift; there is richness and great depth here of course, but it is all so well balanced. 2027-2040

Fully 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, the balance Cabernet Franc, aged in French oak barrels (40% new) for 18 months. Wonderful expression and clarity, a nose redolent of fresh cassis, blackberry, black plum and black cherry, cedar, aromatic herbs, mint, and a host of dark flowers. This is full-bodied but carries a real sense of tension and poise; the tannins are ripe and plentiful, and they build, suggesting great cellaring potential. For all its richness and power, it shows great energy and purity, with a fine mineral presence and superb length of flavour. This stands alongside the great Dominus vintages. 2030-2055+