Another interesting and variable day.  The late sunshine of 2008 clearly did much good for the Cabernet of the Medoc, but what about the Merlot of the Right Bank and Graves?  There is more variation here but still some lovely wines.  In Graves the sheer class and breeding of Haut-Brion pips La Mission for me (see the picture of us tasting at Haut-Brion), and the brilliantly pure Haut-Bailly a nap for all the team.  I always find the Right Bank harder to call but Larcis Ducasse and Pavie Macquin are impeccably made wines and the quality at the Ausone stable as breathtakingly good as expected.  The vintage on this side of the Gironde is to me a little like a more powerful version of 2004.  Pauillac tomorrow: bring it on. (JF)

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