2019 Dourthe No 1 Merlot-Cabernet

Full bottle 1,210 g. Matured 12 months parlty in new French oak barriques and partly in 80-hl wooden tanks. Deep crimson. Absolutely classic aromas of a bordeaux blend: dark fruit, cedar, subtle oak. But this is not an attempt to oversimplify bordeaux, the tannins are firm and need time in bottle, the whole still needs a little longer to harmonise. Firm, fine-grained tannins hold it in thrall for now. A little hit of heat at the back of the throat. If you broach it now, make sure it is at the table. (JH)