2020 de Gironville

The 2020 Château de Gironville, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, has a rather static nose that frankly would benefit from a bit of Merlot to lend more dimension. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry, fine depth with kirsch and crushed strawberry. Perhaps afford this another 12 months for the bouquet to fully open.

Savoury blueberry and blackberry fruit, has grip and lift, fringed with raspberry leaf and roses. Extremely unusual to have 100% Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux, particularly at the Cru Bourgeois level, and this is a real success (only the second time that it has been fully Cabernet Sauvignon). Mulliez family owned, Yannick Reyrel director, since sold to Treasury Wine Estates. 30% new oak for ageing. Excellent, one of the value wines of the year to look out for.

The 2020 Château De Gironville showed well, and it’s certainly another noteworthy Haut-Médoc in this vintage. Medium-bodied notes of lively red fruits, flowery incense, and spice all give way to a balanced, charming, front end-loaded 2020 that has moderate depth and richness yet shines for its elegance.