Château Graulet, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, 2020

A rich heady nose, smells quite over excited and hot and alcoholic. Lively at first, the bright acidity really to the fore, mouthwateringly so, lifted and enjoyable, but then the tannins and oaky touches come into play and just constrict the finish a touch adding tobacco, liquorice and clove to the mix. A broad wine, not overly fat, this does keep the direction, just a bit clipped and forced come the finish. Needs a bit more time bit it's certainly stylish. A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Malbec, one year ageing in barrels, 50% new.