The second wine of Clos Apalta, the 2022 is a blend of 59% Carmenere, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. There are flavours of dark berry fruit, violets and tapenade which clothe the supple, powdery tannins. This is a juicy, enjoyable wine with plenty of genorosity and lift.

The 2022 vintage was a slightly cooler vintage with a longer growing season which helped to gradually build complexity in the fruit. The wine is deep and intense with spiced notes of cedar, sandalwood and mineral accents of graphite. There are brightness and focus to the dark cherry fruit with a vibrant structure and energy that runs to the finish.

Unsurprisingly always one of my favourite tastings, the opulence of the Château coupled with the warm welcome never fails to impress. Fortunately, the wines lived up to their side of the bargain. Possibly comparable to the 2001, the 2014 is deep ruby colour, with a smoky, tobacco, earth, cassis and blackberry nose, silky tannins and fresh cherry and cassis on the palate. Made from 50% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, the complexity and attractiveness were once again simply incredible.

With 52% of production going into the first wine, La Mission bucked the trend on the left bank, preferring Merlot to Cabernet in 2014 - and therefore making a blend of 54% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc. An elegant, lifted nose precedes an intense palate of ripe black fruits supported by ripe, fine grained tannins and a long mouthwatering finish. This is stylistically comparable to the 2001: a long term prospect, this is a magnificent, majestic wine.

The Morgon Cuvée Classique is ruby red with a robust nose of complex red and black fruit aroma, as well as earthy notes. On the palate, it is similarly layered: sour cherry, black plum, dried flower and leather, with great depth and a lengthy finish. This is a lighter style of wine that nevertheless offers wonderful complexity and depth.

Quite a flamboyant nose of exotic spice, incense and star anise. There are notes of violet and pomegranate that mingle with aromas of kirsch, liquorice, and cocoa. There is freshness and energy, with plenty of flesh and substance – silky and supple tannins and long fruit focused and defined finish.

The Opus One 2022 offers savoury spice on the nose with cedar, cocoa dusted cherry, dark chocolate. Slightly darker black fruit profile with cassis, and dark cherry fruit. There is a certain exuberance and power here yet salinity and freshness to balance. The tannins give some grip with a sinewy feel, and there is a graphite note on the finish. Quite fine and directional in style with dense blue fruits.

Mostly from the 2020 vintage and aged on the lees for two years, this is a vibrant, energetic and concentrated Blanc de Blancs. The nose balances ripe green apple, conference pear, white flowers and an intense graphite minerality. The palate is detailed and vibrant, with salted almond, poached pear, lemon peel, and peach notes Taut acidity and mouth-filling texture lead to a long, mineral finish. Dosage : 1g/l. Gold Medal – IWSC 2025 and Gold Medal – WineGB Awards 2025.

Corallian, Langham’s Chardonnay dominant cuvée is focused, saline and elegant, while at the same time expresses the freshness of 2021 in its fruit. The nose opens with bright lemon zest and jasmine flower, complemented by mineral notes of sea spray and charred citrus. On the palate, there are flavours of blood orange, ripe nectarine, bay leaf and lemon thyme, with subtle white pepper accents. The finish shows pronounced saline minerality and lifted acidity.

Culver is Langham’s Pinot dominant Classic Cuvée, and is more rich and broad in character than the Corallian, its Chardonnay dominant counterpart. Predominantly from 2021 vintage base wines, with bright red cherry, cranberry and apple blossom on the nose. There are rich, creamy, fine bubbles to the medium length, and nice freshness combining with spice and minerality. Gold Medal & Best Classic Cuvée NV – WineGB Awards 2025.