2020 Chateau Tour Baladoz Saint Emilion

Wine Press: Jancis Robinson "Cask sample. Opulent nose just brimming with crushed blackberries, cinnamon spice and damson fruit. Silky smooth palate with fine tannins and real power of sweet ripe fruit. A note of coffee oak on the finish, hedonistic and full on but appealing - Drink: 2026-2038"

Owned by the De Schepper family since the 1950s, this relatively little-known 9 hectares property lies in the commune of St-Laurentdes-Combes, just 3km southeast of St Emilion towards St Etienne de Lisse, which gives them the benefit of two different soils, limestone and clay. The vines for Tour Baladoz are partially on the limestone plateau and partially in a beautiful green bowl filled entirely with vines. The De Schepper family have invested hugely in both the vineyards and the cellar, so that now the quality of the wine really does offer an authentic and high quality expression of this fine site. Matured for 12-15 months in 50% new oak and made from vines with an average age of 30 years.

Tasting note: Purple in the glass with a nose of intense earthy blackberry crushed fruit with a lightly soured black fruit note. On the palate the black fruit continues which are ripe and sweet with a hint mulberry, spiced and a touch of cherry going to a long, grilled, lush, smoky finish.