We’ve been waiting a long time. We recall the still fermenting juices we tasted in October and then the impressive, precocious assemblages we tasted in February. Now the opportunity to taste the 2015s in earnest is finally here; the litmus test for the vintage. 

Our small convoy of cars has been snaking its way through the lanes of Pomerol and St Emilion, as is the Justerinis’ custom on the first day of a primeur trip - and we have been well and truly wrapped in seductive fruit and glorious velvety tannins today. If critics are to be believed, Pomerol is perhaps the commune of choice in 2015, and we have not been disappointed. Denis and Constance Durantou presented a very strong range of wines. It’s hard to pick favourites, but Montlandrie and Eglise Clinet were both sensational. The JP Moueix flight was equally accomplished. Lafleur Gazin, La Fleur Petrus and Trotanoy hit all the right notes. Then came a trio of wines that fall into the ‘outstanding’ category: Petrus, Vieux Chateau Certan and Cheval Blanc.