Last but by no means least, we made our way around the prettier roads of the Right Bank

Thursday 1st April
Last but by no means least, we made our way around the prettier roads of the Right Bank, starting in Libourne at the Moueixs, then on to Pomerol via Chateau Cheval Blanc, and to Chateau Beausejour Becot for the Saint Emilions.

Once again, some exceptional wines to taste - just a bit harder perhaps, more traditionally Primeur in their rawness, but unquestionably special. I could have stayed at the Moueix tasting all day to be honest. Their line up including Chateaux Magdelaine, Belair Monange, Certan de May, Trotanoy, Lafleur a Pomerol and Lafleur Petrus showed poise, balance and a lightness of touch which some others in the later UGC tastings that day perhaps lacked. Their Hosanna is breathtaking. Look out for their Chantallouette Pomerol and Puy Blanquet Saint Emilion - we'll offer these very soon; they're cracking and should offer good value in what will no doubt be an over heated market.

Continuing our belief in the second wines of the Grands Chateau this year, Petit Cheval, little brother of Cheval Blanc, is beautiful - all bouquet and sweet Cabernet Franc - delicious.

The Pomerols did it for me this year - over the Saint Emilions. They were all winners with Chateaux Gazin and Clinet leading the way with supreme style, class and concentration. The Saint Emilion Merlots have soaked up their oak rather quickly and are at this very early stage, massive and a touch flashy - lashings of spice, liquorice and heat; appealing to some maybe, not my bag right now but I feel sure they will calm down over the next couple of years and once bottled will be supremely regal, juicy and exuberant. The charmers for me were Chateaux Figeac, Clos Fourtet, La Dominique, La Gaffeliere, Pavie Macquin and Larcis Ducasse (STAR quality)

Our team trip ended at Pavie - always big powerful wines, this year is no exception. I rather liked them.

I consoled myself at Chateau Ausone once the others left to catch their plane. I felt I'd come full circle in the day, returning to the lightness of touch and quintessence of Merlot we had glimpsed at Moueix, up in the birds nest perch of Ausone where Vaulthier's Chateaux de Fonbel, Moulin St George, Chapelle d'Ausone and Ausone itself are remarkable and oh so very long on the finish.

Black teeth and tired gums today, but still plenty of magic and merlot to die for.

Clare Tooley