Castillo de Monjardín Deyo 2021

Deyo is a varietal Merlot from Bodegas Castillo de Monjardín, set in the centre of Navarra at the foot of the Pyrenees. The cool, French-influenced climate here has long favoured Bordeaux and Burgundy grapes, and the estate's 220 hectares are planted at altitude, which lengthens the growing season. For Merlot this matters: a cooler, higher site keeps the grape's plush fruit in check, holding freshness and firming the tannins so the wine gains structure rather than turning soft and jammy. The wine is aged 14 months in French oak, which adds a fine-grained tannin, a cocoa and vanilla character and a slow softening through measured oxygen exchange. Expect a deep ruby colour and a nose of ripe plum, black cherry and red currant, with cocoa, sweet spice and a cool earth note from the oak and site. The palate is medium to full at 14 per cent, rounded and savoury, finishing on gentle tannins. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting briefly. It pairs with roast and grilled beef, lamb and mushroom dishes.