2017 Domaine de Baron'Arques

A blend of 60% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 12% Syrah, 10% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon that matured a year in one-fourth new oak, the 2017 Limoux is mocha and cherry scented, with faint herbal notes and even a touch of bell pepper. It's full-bodied and richly textured, with slightly coarse-grained tannins that leave behind an impression of coffee grounds on the finish. Give it another couple of years to rest, in the hopes it will smooth out a bit.

A dense and rich wine with lots of blackberry and dark-chocolate character with hints of black truffles. Full-bodied, layered and softly tannined. Wet-earth and mushroom undertones. 60 per cent merlot, 14 per cent cabernet franc, 13 per cent syrah, 10 per cent malbec and three per cent cabernet sauvignon.