2017 Charmail

The 2017 Charmail is vegetal, compact and not at all interesting.

The 2017 Charmail is a blend of 38% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it delivers notes of Morello cherries, plum preserves and blackberry compote with hints of pencil shavings and fragrant earth. Medium-bodied, very fresh, elegant and juicy, it has lovely purity and a lifted finish.

The 2017 Charmail comes from an estate that lies across the road from Sociando Mallet. This showed poorly from barrel but it has certainly improved in the interim. It has an attractive bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit laced with tobacco and cedar, a discrete marine influence emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and quite pure. Clove and black pepper enliven the short finish.