Château Puygueraud 2022

Château Puygueraud sits in the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux, on the eastern edge of the region, and was established by Nicolas Thienpont in 1983. The wine is a blend led by Merlot with Cabernet Franc and Malbec, drawn from around 35 hectares of vines on a rocky plateau. The limestone rich subsoil holds water through the growing season and lends the wine freshness and a savoury cut, while the warm 2022 vintage pushed ripeness to a full 14.5% alcohol. The wine ages sixteen months in barrel, which softens the tannins and adds a frame of cocoa and cedar spice around the fruit. Merlot supplies the plump plum and dark berry core, Cabernet Franc brings a leafy, red fruited lift and structure, and Malbec deepens the colour. The colour is a deep ruby. The nose shows dark plum, red berry, cherry and cocoa, with tobacco and an earthy edge developing with air. The palate is medium to full bodied, with ripe but firm tannin, good acidity and a savoury, lightly oaked finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It is built for roast and grilled red meats.