Simon W | 2011 Château Gironville, Haut-Médoc

Given its sensible price this could be a House Claret for regular drinking. Most of us might steer clear of 2011, not one of Bordeaux’s best, but this Château de Gironville could easily be mistaken for being a 2010, it is just so very good. It is nicely mature, colour still dark and no orange colour to it. The tannins are gorgeous and soft, medium-bodied and so elegant this wine is with impeccable balance and a decent length.

Given the chance it might last another three years for those of you who are thinking of laying a few cases down.

I enjoyed a bottle last night with a Poussin, covered with olive oil and crushed garlic and inside rosemary, wild garlic leaves from the banks of the River Tees, lemon, bay leaf and thyme with a rather tasty creamy Chicory grilled with Panko breadcrumbs and a Manchego gratin.

Last 10 cases of the 2011, though we also have 6 cases of the 2006 - I haven't tasted this myself but it is a long-lasting vintage so I would expect it to be drinking very well now too.