‘Esprit de Lucas’ Lussac Saint-Emilion 2010, Château Lussac, France

From the most northerly of the four satellites in the wider Saint-Emilion AOC, in Bordeaux’s right bank region, where Merlot dominates.  But Château Lucas also uses a lot of Cabernet Franc in its blends, including this special one, from three hectares of old vines). Owned by the Vauthier family (who owned the hallowed Château Ausone in Saint Emilion itself). 2010 was one of this century’s three legendary vintages (along with 2000, 2005 and 2009) and produced lush, plump Bordeaux.