Chateau de Parenchere L'Equilibriste (14%)

A no-added-sulfite Bordeaux red wine from Chateau de Parenchere, at the easternmost edge of the Bordeaux appellation bordering Bergerac. It is built around Cabernet Franc, an unusual lead grape for Bordeaux. The 2020 blend used 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, while the 2021 shifted to 50% Cabernet Franc, 25% Malbec and 25% Merlot. The wine is produced without added sulfites, filtered and bottled under inert gas. It is bottled at 12.5–14% ABV depending on vintage. The nose shows blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, dried violet, peony, licorice, white pepper and earth. The palate is round and juicy with crunchy dark fruit, mineral and floral dimensions, silky tannins and bruised dark cherries, finishing fresh with purple-fruit notes and earthy minerality.