The 2016 Chateau Fleur Haut Gaussens is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec. There is initially a soupçon of small reduction on the nose, although this soon blows away to reveal attractive blackberry, cedar and woodland scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins on the entry that lacquer the mouth. But there is also plenty of freshness here, very focused with impressive body and density on the finish. What a superb Bordeaux Supérieur! This is worth hunting down. (Readers in the UK should note that this is distributed through Berry Brothers & Rudd.)

Lightly toasted along the edges, with a cocoa note slowly melding into the core of plum and dark cherry fruit, ending with a tug of tobacco. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now. 10,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.

This ripe wine has attractively soft tannins and juicy, jammy red-berry flavors. It does have a dry core but the fruit is dominant. Drink this wine from 2021.