2020 La Bridane

The 2020 La Bridane has a pretty nose, mainly red berry fruit, hints of peppermint and orange rind emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a little lactic in style and texture, finely balanced with a toasty finish. Give this time in bottle because there is fine potential here.

Old school St Julien, vanishingly rare, and one to be treasured. It's rarely at the heights of the best in the appellation but in years like 2020 when there is plenty of potential, it's one to seek out. Some gunsmoke oak influence, a little over-played perhaps, but with unfussy raspberry and blackberry fruits, firm tannins and an attractive liqourice edge. Owner Bruno Saintout, 15ha of prime St Julien clay-gravels.

The 2020 La Bridane has a well-defined bouquet of crisp blackberry and wild strawberry fruit, touches of cedar and a very light peppermint scent developing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a ripe, silky-smooth entry, a fine line of acidity and seductive black fruit toward the finish. Modern in style and well crafted, this is a Saint-Julien that will be quite delicious to drink over the next 10–12 years.