Graves & Pessac whites 2012: panel tasting results

Elegant nose of white flowers, ripe apricot and a hint of jasmine. Good ripeness on the palate, which has a spicy edge. Fine, piercing acidity supports and cuts the ripe fruit and gives excellent length.

Ripe lime and pear nose with discreet oak and hints of iris. Concentrated and balanced, with considerable complexity and admirable length.

It was an unusual blend in 2012, because a late harvest favoured the Sémillons. This has a richness to the texture and aromatics, with touches of straw and white pepper, even points of sumac and tumeric. You can feel the tertiary character coming through at seven years old, although there's clearly still plenty of life ahead. It's a good food matching wine as it has nuance and complexity, if a little atypical of their usual style. The last vintage under Athanase Fakorellis as consultant for the whites.

Lovely ripe fruit flavours combine with toasty, fine-quality oak. Quite rich with great concentration and a long, lingering aftertaste, which emphasises the quality.

Citrus-dominated with yellow fruits on the nose and palate. Displays good concentration and ample zest and flair. Ripe acidity gives a long finish that is both balanced and stylish.

<p>Ripe melon and citrus nose and a concentrated palate that has lift and freshness. Lovely acidity, vibrant lemon and lime zest fruit flavours. This has a good future.</p>

<p>Delicate apple and quince aromas and a complex palate of tropical fruit and zippy acidity. Very well expressed with lovely balance. The long finish and mineral edge leaves you wanting another glass.</p>

Good weight and concentration on the palate is combined with zesty, lime fruit flavours and perfume. Stylish and imposing without being heavy handed.

<p>Complex nose blending white and yellow fruits, spice and seamless oak. Lovely ripeness to the fruit that is balanced by zesty, lively acidity; a very fine example of white Bordeaux.</p>

Vibrant, grassy characters on the palate combine with aromas of ripe tropical and quince fruits. Very good length with well-blended oak and good expression now and for the mid term.

White fruits with green flowers and a touch of honey make for an elegant nose. The palate is a leaner style – less weighty than some but with vibrancy and freshness.

<p>Elegant floral notes with a citric edge. Lean and intense, with a fine attack and considerable poise. The fruit is subdued but it has an appealing raciness and tension; a harmonious wine with style and persistence.</p>

The subtle nose promises a lot for the future. The palate is rich, firm and concentrated, with ripe citrus fruit and equally ripe acidity. You can identify the high-quality winemaking here.

Smoky, struck-match notes on the nose with a touch of iris. The palate is rich and dense with the weight of a premier cru white Burgundy and as much length.

Greener notes on nose with nuances of lemon, pear and discreet oak. Good attack – fresh and concentrated – with ample ripe citrus fruit and tropical flavours. Stylish and long. This will go the distance.

Mature and savoury on the nose showing subtle fruit with waxy and green olive notes. Full-bodied and rich.