2019 Chateau La Peyruche Eleve en Fut de Chene, Cotes de Bordeaux, France

Élevé en fût de chêne simply means raised in oak barrels, and this is Château La Peyruche's more serious cuvée. The vines are old by any standard: 50-year-old Merlot (70%) and 45-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) on clay-limestone and gravel. Old vines give smaller crops of more concentrated fruit, and it shows.

The 2019 has ripe red fruit, warm spice and a roasted, savoury edge, with refined tannins and a seam of toasted vanilla from the French oak. It is drinking well now and has several years in hand.

At a glance: 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon · Côtes de Bordeaux · organic · vegan · ageing potential 5–10 years

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