2018 Château du Retout, Haut-Medoc

68.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24.5% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot planted here, the vines grow on a gravel ridge, close to Lamarque, where one can catch a ferry across the Gironde estuary to Blaye. Great care is taken in the vineyards, with ploughing between the rows and only natural fertiliser made from horse manure and organic waste from the vines used. This 2018 is a truly appetizing bottle, with aromas of ripe damson and plum, very pure. There is a lovely fleshy texture, with fine tannins and super length to finish.