2018, Château Teyssier, SAINT-ÉMILION Grand CruBordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc. The 2018 Teyssier is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, with a 3. 53 pH and 14. 8% alcohol. Medium to deep garnet purple in colour, it comes skipping out of the glass with bright, open, carefree scents of stewed red and black plums, Morello cherries and fruitcake, plus hints of Chinese five spice, bay leaves and dusty soil. Medium to full bodied, the palate is coated with spicy red and black fruits,

refreshing and delicately flavoured

and slate-filled salinity on the finish

I felt that it has veered too far away from Pauillac

dense tannins

but in a soft and gentle way

really get the savoury and pared back dark berry feel of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend

Blue fruits

The aromas of broom

underlining how much last year's more softly sculpted wine was a departure from recent vintages of Calon

spice and cassis

The palate is viscous on the entry and very concentrated

It has a clean and pure bouquet with wild strawberry