2016 Chateau Respide-Medeville Rouge, Graves, France (750ml)   

Château Respide-Médeville is situated on the summit of the first gravel hill north of Langon with a superb view over the Garonne valley and its vineyards.

The vineyard is spread out around the Château on a mosaic of terroirs: at the summit can be found large areas of deep gravel for the Cabernet Sauvignon with a plot of yellow clay in the slope. The Merlots are planted on gravel mixed with sand on a bed of clay. The estate’s 2016 Graves Rouge is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot that is aged in a mixture of new and used oak barrels for a period of 12 months, resulting in a classically styled French Bordeaux wine that is now in its prime drinking window. Fresh and forward, with a polished edge to the red currant, cherry and damson plum notes. The sleek finish lets a black tea accent linger.