2015 Chateau Alverne Saint Emilion Grand Cru

A new venture owned by the Wojcik family with Louis Mitjavile as the hands-on consultant. The 1.8 ha are planted with 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 18-21 months in new Radoux Blend barrels. Total production currently 600–800 cases. Seductive and slightly exotic aroma, with ripe but fresh red and black fruits and spice, even a hint of cinnamon. Rich and spicy on the palate too, a certain decadence, but no excess weight, the tannins already remarkably supple but not wimpy. You can smell/taste the expensive oak but it is much less obvious than you might expect – as with other Mitjavile-signature wines in which the more red-fruited character of the wines seem remarkably able to stand up to, and benefit from, tight-grained new oak. Likely to be drinkable relatively early but also age well. (JH)