This is a substantial Bordeaux from a lesser appellation, made by Henry Laithwaite, son of Tony Laithwaite. It’s the first wine to be produced fron this new estate, which has 4.2 hectares of old vines on top of a limestone ridge. It’s a big wine, but I like it, and reckon it has some ageing potential.

Verniotte Castillon 2008 Cotes de Bordeaux
14% alcohol. 12 months ageing in French oak, of which half is new. Robust blackcurrant and blackberry fruit nose with some creamy richness, as well as spicy, tarry savouriness. The palate is dense and extracted with firm tannic structure and good acidity supporting the ripe blackcurrant and plum fruit. A dense, grippy, structured wine with potential for development. 91/100  (£17.99 Laithwaites)