La Font Saint Martin 2016

The Ossard family have been tending their vines in Pineuilh, in the Entre Deux Mers, since 1904. They love their Merlot vines, the hero grape in this part of Bordeaux, but also both Cabernets and, unusually, Malbec. From these, the family has carefully blended a Bordeaux with a lovely balance of ripe plum fruit, hints of cassis and smooth tannins. In essence an appealing house claret style – grand enough for roast dinner, but good with supper any day of the week too. 2016 was an excellent vintage for Bordeaux and La Font Saint Martin is plump with juicy Merlot fruit, tempered by the dark cassis of Cabernet Sauvignon, the leafy raspberry of Cabernet Franc and violet scented Malbec. A really appealing claret. Open early and decant.