Clarendelle Medoc (75cl, 13.5%)

A Merlot-dominant Bordeaux red blend from the Medoc appellation, produced under the guidance of the winemaking team at Chateau Haut-Brion. It is a project of Clarence Dillon Wines, which also owns Chateau Haut-Brion, Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion and Chateau Quintus. The Medoc cuvee draws fruit from these estate vineyards and blends primarily Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, with proportions that shift by vintage. The wine is aged in one-year-old French oak barrels. The 2016 vintage earned 92 points from James Suckling, and every label carries the distinction "Inspired by Haut-Brion". Serve at cellar temperature, around 60-65°F, and decant for 20-30 minutes. The nose opens with blackcurrant, blackberry, tobacco leaf and chocolate, with earth and spice emerging as it opens. The palate shows dark plum, cassis, red currant, raspberry, roasted meat, oaky nuances, earthy depth and soft tannins. The finish is medium in length, smooth, with lingering tobacco and dark red fruit.