Le Grand Chai Bordeaux 2019

Bordeaux produced superb quality clarets in the hot 2019 vintage – lovely ripeness of fruit and concentration, with round tannins. Take this velvety, plum filled claret from Le Chai au Quai, a cellar situated on the river in Castillon. Head of winemaking there is Haut Brion trained Jean-Marc Sauboua, a Bordelais with a brilliant network of contacts. His aim with this wine is to make an appealingly fruity, yet classic Bordeaux. So, every vintage, he tastes cuvées from across the region until he finds the very best parcel of fine Merlot. It rarely comes from the same vineyard. Crafted at Le Chai, with nine months ageing in barrels, the wine has ripe red fruit with a creamy roundness. Open early and serve with roast meats or stuffed mushrooms.