2016 Château NOAILLAC. Médoc, Bordeaux

55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Petit Verdot, matured in oak for one year.

The estate has been owned since 1982 by the Pagès family, whose main property is Château La Tour de By, not far away. Both properties are in the north of the Médoc, beyond Saint Estèphe, close to the Gironde estuary.

Very classic, traditional claret – there’s a dry austerity that dominates on first tasting, but fruit and freshness becomes evident when paired with food.