Château Couhins 2022

Château Couhins lies in Pessac-Léognan in the Graves of Bordeaux, an estate brought back from the brink when France's agricultural research institute, INRA, bought it in the late 1960s and replanted the vineyard. The wine is a Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, now farmed organically. The Graves gravel and sand soils drain freely and store warmth, giving fine tannin and the smoky, savoury character of the appellation, while the Atlantic and the river moderate the maritime climate for a long, even ripening. The wine ages 12 months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves firms the structure and adds cedar and spice. The colour is deep, concentrated ruby. The nose shows deep black fruit with lilac, spice and a savoury note of undergrowth. The palate is ample and fleshy, medium to full bodied, with fine tannin, fresh acidity and an earthy, mineral finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, and decant an hour or two ahead while young. It is a strong match for roast lamb and game.