Château Jouanin, Castillon, Côtes de Bordeaux, 2012

Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux is due east of St-Emilion, so Merlot and Cabernet Franc rule here thanks to the clay-limestone soils. From his 8 hectares of vineyards, winemaker Pierre Taix has created a dense, grippy wine showing nice development of leathery notes. Slightly jammy dark fruits are dusted with sweet baking spices and vanilla from the oak.