Château Marjosse : Anthologie de Marjosse Cuvée la Charmille 2018

Attractive nose of blackberry, blueberry, plum, walnut and graphite. It’s medium- to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Good tension and structure here with pretty spice notes. Try from 2022.

The rather shocking 15.5% alcohol is a clear pointer to the vintage in this third of Pierre Lurton's trio of single-vineyard Merlots, launched at the end of 2019. In La Charmille the vines are even older than in the other two parcels – planted 40 years ago on grey clay-rich soil. The name refers to the estate's charmille, an alley lined by hornbeams. Deep smudgy cherry red. Beautifully scented with red as well as black fruits, and a floral quality not unlike the peony of northern Rhône Syrah but without the pepperiness. On the palate, this is already so succulent and approachable, juicy, fresh. The tannins are super-fine, like chalk dust, but not drying in the least, in fact they increase the freshness of the fruit. Hard to believe this is 15.5% alcohol because it really doesn't show in this elegant, lively and fresh wine. The oak (no detail available) is very much in the background thanks to the harmony of the wine as a whole. (JH)

Historic plot. Vines planted in 1981. An inviting bouquet showing the charm of Merlot. Juicy, almost suave attack. The wine stands out for its freshness and a salty touch on the finish. A mouthwatering, very glou-glou cuvée.