Super rich and plush with ample dark plum, cocoa and graphite nuances, as well as some blueberries and cherries. The plate has a beautifully crafted bed of fine, plush and long tannins that carry effortless length and depth. Deep and fresh cabernet kick. Really impressive. 85 per cent merlot and 11 per cent cabernet franc and four per cent cabernet sauvignon. Try from 2023.

Checking in as a blend of 85% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, made by the team at Angélus, the 2016 Château Clos de Boüard has a beautiful elegance and purity as well as impressive notes of black cherries, cassis, subtle oak, and dried flowers. It’s very floral, with fine tannins and a silky, elegant finish.

The first vintage for the young Coralie de Bouard, owner of Clos de Bouard and La Fleur de Bouard in Lalande de Pomerol, the wine is deep in color with purple accents. The nose offers suggestions of flowers, black raspberries, plum and licorice. On the palate, the soft, silky textured, lush styled wine offers sweet, ripe berries with freshness and the perfect hint of dark chocolate in the endnote. The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a great first effort.

The 2016 Clos de Bouärd is blended of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with bold scents of wild blueberries, red currant jelly and plum preserves plus touches of truffles, mossy bark and cinnamon stick. Medium-bodied with great freshness on the palate, it has a taut, muscular core of red and black berry flavors and a chewy frame, finishing with a spicy kick. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown