Château Grand Village, Rouge, Bordeaux Supérieur, 2016

The Guineaudeaus describe the 2016 growing season as 'a three step waltz'; the wet spring, the 'brutal' drought and the 'moderate' autumn. It makes it all sound so easy, but the reality was less serene. The 2016 range is amongst the very best we have ever tasted, but this came at a huge cost and much sacrifice. The entry level Grand Village is without question the best wine we have tasted from this estate on the outskirts of Fronsac. Do not be deceived by its lowly appellation, this is sensational; a truly polished, serious wine with a super-refined tannic structure and superb concentration. It would school wines with far higher price tags. Glossy perfumed fruit, bright cherries, tayberries, flowers and cane fruit. The palate is packed with cranberry and strawberry liqueur; intense, bright and graceful. A magnificent Grand Village that captures the gravitas of the vintage, but still has enough flesh to suggest it will drink well in a few years and last for a couple of decades. 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc. A standout wine!