2020 des Annereaux

Unfussy and fruit-filled with touches of baked earth and liquorice root – this has a lovely grip and freshness throughout. Rustic in all the right ways, feels unforced and easy to recommend, packed with tight cassis and brambled fruits, clear Cabernet Sauvignon influence although a minority in the blend. Axel Marchal consultant. Certified organic. A yield of 12hl/ha (these are sandy clay soils and no doubt suffered a little with the drought), 25% new oak.

A rich, layered red with blackberry, currant, chocolate and some coffee. It’s medium-bodied with creamy tannins and a flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes.

The 2020 Château des Annereaux comes across a bit green on the nose; I’m not sure it reached full phenolic ripeness. The palate is slightly better, but angular and too herbaceous on the finish given the growing season.