2006 Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac

65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc. The grapes are hand-harvested from 40-year-old-vines grown in blue clay soil across the 15-ha estate. Pre-fermentation cold maceration is carried out at an average of 7°C for four to five days according to the batches followed by alcoholic fermentation of approximately six days with two pumpovers per day. The wine is then aged for 18 months in new oak. Available now 55 stores. This is where the Cercle du Rive Droite hold their big tastings. A hotel. Bit light and tart. Lack of fruity core. Awfully austere on the end – can’t quite see the point of buying this wine. (JR)

Blackish crimson. Hint of agricultural smells on the nose plus some leaf mulch. Very chewy finish – rasping tannins. Very dry and inky. Really quite uncomfortable to taste even if there is no lack of concentration. (JR)