2016 Château du Raux, Haut-Médoc

This is right in the sweet spot for drinking: at first, ripe blackcurrant and an appealing fruit coulis perfume on the nose with a swirl of the glass coaxing more mature and secondary aromas to emerge sweet, smoky spice and a note of cedar, perhaps. Classically claret, and quite Saint-Julien in style. On the palate, luscious texture, and fine balance. Pure, fresh cassis fruit, with nice richness and a sophisticated, polished feel to it. Nearly ten years of maturity gives this layers and layers of flavour. Some good winemaking at work here. Equal parts cabernet and merlot.