2016 Siaurac

Artemis Domaines sole owners of this stable since early 2018. 74% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, 7% Malbec. After a very wet winter replenishing the soil’s water reserve, the mild temperatures that ensued gave way to the first signs of budburst at the end of February (more than a week earlier than usual). Spring was cool and the humid winter conditions continued up until the end of June. Flowering benefited from a period of sunny weather from 7 to 11 June, allowing for very good fruit set. From 24 June, the good weather settled in permanently. There was a significant water deficit as there was almost no rain until 13 September and a lot of sunshine. Veraison took place between 11 and 15 August (depending on the terroir) and was homogeneous. On 13–14 September, welcome rainfall (26 mm) rebooted the maturation process and the high temperature variations experienced from mid September onwards, due to cool night-time temperatures, contributed to the significant tannic potential of the vintage. Harvest 22 September to 20 October. Deep crimson. Well mannered, sweet but far from complex nose. Pretty spiky impact on the palate. (JR)

Bright flowers and attractive red berries on offer here with a really succulent, velvety palate that offers rich red-plum flavors. Long and juicy resolve. A blend of 74 per cent merlot, 19 per cent cabernet franc and seven per cent malbec. Try from 2021.