Belle Roche Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Chai winemakers Jean-Marc Sauboua and Mark Hoddy reserve their Belle Roche label for a wine made from the best parcel of grapes of the vintage. For the last three vintages this went to a few rows of dazzlingly dark Cabernet, grown in the scrublands of high up Languedoc vineyards. The soils are very poor and there’s a fair blast of wind, so berries are always tiny. No wonder then that this wine is so rich, luscious and was awarded 'French Wine of the Year' Trophy. It's the reason they call it their precious ‘black diamond’ of the vintage too. Meticulously crafted at Le Chai, Belle Roche is a bit of a gem – best decanted an hour or two before serving, just like Bordeaux. It’s spot on with a juicy steak, rack of lamb and hearty casseroles.