Château Clos du Roy 2021

Clos du Roy sits in Fronsac, a small appellation on the clay and limestone slopes above the Dordogne, west of Pomerol on the right bank. Philippe Hermouet, an agronomist by training, has run the estate since 1987 and farms it sustainably. The blend is led by Merlot with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Fronsac's cool, calcareous clay retains water through dry spells and lends its reds firm structure and a mineral savour, while the sunny south facing slopes ripen the fruit fully, reaching 15% alcohol in the warm 2021 vintage. The wine ages twelve months in barrel, where measured oxygen exchange through the wood rounds the tannins and adds cedar and light spice. It pours deep ruby. The nose shows plum and red berries with liquorice, tobacco and an earthy note. The palate is full and structured, the tannins firm, and the finish long and savoury. This is a wine with the frame to develop over several years in bottle. Serve at 17 degrees and decant well ahead of the meal. Pour it with roast and braised red meat, game or a mature hard cheese.