Château du Retout 2022

Château du Retout farms in the Haut-Médoc on the left bank of Bordeaux, where the team relies on close tasting of the fruit to fix the picking date. The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Petit Verdot. Haut-Médoc gravel soils drain quickly and store daytime heat, helping Cabernet Sauvignon ripen its thick skins fully and build firm tannin, while the Gironde estuary moderates the maritime climate and lengthens the season. The vineyard is farmed under sustainable practice. The wine is aged 12 months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange through the oak softens and integrates the tannin and adds light spice. The colour is deep, dense ruby. The nose carries ripe dark fruit with menthol, liquorice and bay leaf over a fine, powdery oak note. The palate is concentrated and fruit-driven, silky and fleshy, with ripe tannin, fresh acidity and a savoury, herbal finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, and decant an hour ahead while the wine is young. It is built for roast and grilled red meat.