Half Bottle: Chateau La Passonne 2018, Bordeaux

A delicious Merlot dominated, modern-style 'claret' with an easy, ripe fruitiness, which makes it approachable and food friendly.

Situated in the commune of Cadillac, on the opposite bank of the Garonne to the Graves and Sauternes, this Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux has been something of a find. Made by Michel Bonot and Louis-Michel Muyst, of Chateau Carbon d'Artigues, in the Graves, this is an outstanding claret with plenty of easy, succulent fruit, a good structure provided by very soft, ripe tannins and a long finish. It shows you that even cheaper red Bordeaux can provide some terrific drinking if carefully made by passionate artisan-craftsmen.

Merlot 60%, Cabernet-Sauvignon 35%, Cabernet Franc 5%