Château Clos Puy Arnaud 2021

Clos Puy Arnaud works the AOC of Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux, a right bank appellation that adjoins Saint-Émilion and shares much of its character at gentler prices. The blend here brings together Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate sits on the limestone and clay plateau that runs east from Saint-Émilion, and that cool, water retaining limestone is the key to the wine's freshness, lending bright acidity and a clear mineral, savoury thread. Merlot provides ripe, rounded fruit, Cabernet Franc adds aromatic lift and a leafy, peppery freshness, and Cabernet Sauvignon firms up the structure. The wine is raised for six months in separate containers, kept apart so each plot and variety can be assessed before assembly, which favours precision and freshness over heavy oak. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows red berries, plum and cherry over dried herbs, black pepper and a stony, earthy base. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with fresh acidity, fine grained tannins and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It pairs well with roast and grilled red meats, lamb, pork and mushroom dishes.