2020 Chauvin

The 2020 Château Chauvin offers up a vivid purple hue as well as a meaty, powerful nose of ripe black cherries, roasted herbs, jus de viande, graphite, and a terrific sense of minerality. Showing more floral nuances with time in the glass, it's medium to full-bodied, has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, the building tannins of the vintage, and outstanding length. Give it 2-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades.

70% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Poised and elegant. Everything in place without exaggeration. Smooth and refreshing with a fine tannic frame. Satisfying and approachable. Good medium-term drinking. (JL)

Chocolate, bay leaves, oregano and blackcurrants. Full-bodied, with firm yet nicely ripe and polished tannins. Broad and seamless. Caressing and velvety at the end. Try from 2026. (CN)