Les Portes de Bordeaux 2017

Banished are the days of claret that had to be stored for decades to be drinkable (though of course the top flight, high priced ones do reward the wait). Instead, Bordeaux is producing some of the most appealing and well balanced reds of France. This is an all-Merlot red from an immaculate, well-run co-operative in the Entre Deux Mers. Growers are passionate about the grapes they bring in and you can taste that in the bright fruit intensity of this wine. 2017 was a tricky vintage for the region – frost decimated yields by about 40%, so we were delighted to be able to secure this beauty, and at such a steal of a price. Elegant and full of creamy plum fruit, serve with white meats, roasted vegetable with couscous – it’s a most versatile red.