Château Capion, Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2016

I tasted this impressive blend of 70% Syrah with 20% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre some two months before bottling. It’s an impressive achievement for the new Capion team’s first full vintage, proving just how much potential these vineyards have. It's a saturated dark black-red in colour, with tender, pure scents of super-fine plum, blackcurrant and blackberry, and not a splinter of wood too much. After this fresh yet delicate aroma, the palate is deep, refined, structured and resonant. The tannins are supple yet supportive, lending a little amplitude to that magnificent plunge of pure fruit. 93-95 points.