Thanks to the excellent vintages over the last decade, Bordeaux's smaller properties are flourishing and the vineyards are in rude health. This claret is from a family estate on the Right Bank, headed by Jean-Charles Longaud. A believer in 'la lutte raisonnée' (a 'think before you act' approach to viticulture), Jean-Charles lets grass grow between vines to keep them thisty and grapes concentrated, and uses natural methods to prevent disease.Typically for the region the estate grows mostly Merlot, so you can look forward to a smooth, plummy style, while equal quantities of the two Cabernets bring structure and bramble fruit notes. Spot on with lamb chops, roast chicken or a ploughman's lunch.