Thierry Valette is a name to get to know on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, regularly producing wines that are at the top of the Castillon appellation. This is another impressive result, although a little austere right now, and needs another few years in bottle. Vibrant black fruits, touch of orange peel bitterness combined with juicy minerality. Limestone plateau with a similar formation to the St Emilion plateau. Biodynamic. Ageing in 15% new oak barrels, 1/3 amphoras, 1/3 large oak casks. Bottled without fining.

The 2019 Clos Puy Arnaud, the biodynamic estate from Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, has an attractive, well-defined bouquet of blackberry, light estuarine scents and hints of clove and allspice. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity, and slightly grainy in texture. There’s plenty of freshness here, and the Cabernets impart engaging cedary notes on the finish. Excellent.