2017 Desmirail

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Desmirail features woody/oaky notions to start, opening out to reveal Black Forest cake, blackcurrant cordial and forest floor scents with a waft of Marmite toast. Medium-bodied, the palate is quite chewy with notable oak and just enough fruit, finishing a tad firm and abrupt.

55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot. Mid garnet. Fragrant but with a hint of oak which some may not like. Pretty drying oak tannins on the end unfortunately, which is a shame since the perfume is pretty attractive. I’m hoping it will all resolve itself with time. But this is definitely a bone-dry wine. (JR)

The 2017 Desmirail has quite an intense bouquet with black cherries and crème de cassis scents that seems to gain volume with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with candied sweet ripe blueberry fruit. My problem here is the new oak on the second half that seems to oppress the fruit and dominate the finish. It will need a very prudent élevage to maintain balance and stop the cooperage dominating proceedings by the time of bottling.