Merlot

Viña Doña Javiera has a history of winemaking that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The family was one of the first to recognise the potential of the Maipo Valley and begun planting vines there in 1942. Located at El Monte, 50 kilometres west of Santiago, with exposure to cooling Pacific breezes, this vineyard is blessed with a superb climate for viticulture.

Doña Javiera has produced a smooth, plummy wine for us in 2015. Sweet raspberries and a hint of smoke add to the damson notes on the nose. The palate has good concentration with macerated red cherries coming to the fore alongside bramble fruit. The wine is warming but a leafy freshness balances out the whole. This is an easy-drinking, exceptionally fruit-driven wine which is eminently drinkable.

Pomerol produces arguably the finest Merlot-based wines in the world; renowned for displaying both elegance and intensity. One of two Right Bank communes to be represented in our own-label range (the other being St Emilion), this example is made for us by Ch. Feytit-Clinet. Previously part of the Moueix stable, the property is now in the hands of Jeremy Chasseuil, who has been producing outstanding wines here since the 2000 vintage.

This wine is suave and polished, with a nose of plum and chocolate, and a balanced, supple, yet defined finish. The wine is a blend of 90 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Franc. Aging takes place in oak barrels according to the subtleties of each individual parcel.

The 2014 vintage of our own St Emilion comes from a marvellous Grand Cru property managed by Alain Vauthier, co-owner of Ch. Ausone. A predominantly Merlot blend, this is a delicious example of the region from the team at Ch. Fonbel.

The nose is bursting with bramble fruit and mocha notes, while the palate is rich, velvety and absolutely seamless. This will age well for a year or two, but is drinking beautifully now. Match it to roast lamb, a rib of beef and fine, hard cheeses.

This is very sexy on the nose, with plenty going on and lots of freshness on the palate, despite the very ripe Merlot. This is a very well made and serious wine, and will be great value for money with a lovely long finish.
Max Lalondrelle, Fine Wine Bordeaux Wine Buyer

 

Now entering its eagerly-awaited prime, this strikes a perfect balance between classicism and fruit-driven approachability. Laroque is a sizeable estate, but less than half of its 61 hectares is deemed worthy of inclusion in this, the Grand Vin. It's a blend of 87 percent Merlot and 11 percent Cabernet Franc, with just a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon, from the estate's older vines, which are overlooked by one of the Right Bank's most equisite chateau. 
Will Heslop - BBR Buyer