Clarendelle Bordeaux Rouge by Chateau Haut Brion

Only ripe, blueberry and blackberry flavors with nice freshness and some healthy, supple tannins within the sleek frame, make this an immediately appealing red Bordeaux that’s very food-friendly. Drink or hold.

A beguiling fragrance of floral violet scents alongside black cherries and blackcurrants with soft menthol nuances. Supple and succulent, this has life and energy straight away with bright acidity and a push of red and black fruits edged by a mineral, wet stone tang. Tannins are so fine, really well integrated giving a medium-bodied frame with a soft velvet, powdery texture on the finish. Gently deep and persistent with lots of freshness throughout. Approachable and in a lovely drinking window.

The 2016 Clarendelle is composed of 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up youthful notions of fresh red and black plums, mulberries and baking spices plus wafts of stewed tea and bay leaves. Medium-bodied, refreshing and vibrant in the mouth, the palate has a pleasant chewiness to the texture and finishes with an herbal lift.