Château La Louvière 2020 Pessac-Léognan Rouge (75cl, 14%)

A structured, medium-bodied red Bordeaux from Pessac-Léognan in Graves, bottled at 14% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The vineyard is planted to roughly 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, though the 2020 reversed this to 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. Vinification uses temperature-controlled cement vats and stainless steel tanks, with malolactic fermentation in vat, then about 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Michel Rolland has consulted since 2013. The nose shows ripe blackcurrants, blackberries, mulberry and forest floor, with spice cake, cedar, sandalwood and unsmoked cigars. The palate is bright and crunchy with black cherry and currant fruit, savory spice, leather and firm grainy tannins. The finish is long and refreshing, with dark fruit, cedar and fine-grained tannin.