Château Lamartine Malbec 2016 , Cahors, France

Another french red malbec! I always thought it was in short supply yet and Argentina had the market share but I’ve been drinking quite a lot of french Malbec recently.

I couldn’t quite get a big aroma hit, there are very subtle notes of cooked red fruit and a spice under tone. The taste opens it to more red and black fruit fruits. The tannins are a little harsh and quite oaky with leather poking through.

Have this with food or drink it in 5 years when it hopefully softens, its not smooth enough yet for me. At about £14 a bottle its a bit pricey, a Malbec from Argentina is likely to be better at this price, sorry France.

Château Lamartine Malbec 2016 , Cahors, France

Château Lamartine Malbec 2016 , Cahors, France

Domaine du Grand Mayne, Revolution 2011, Bordeaux, France

Its 100% Merlot made partly in new Oak barrels. SO the rest is pretty standard. Its full bodied with firm but soft tannins. The aromas are more relaxed that the flavours, red fruits abound with some black plum thrown in. The length of flavour is good but I would have this with food. I think because the oaking and tannins are a little too much for me. Its either that or try this in a few years. Given its 8 years old already I’m going with too much oaking. It was great with steak though.

At about £25 a bottle its not cheap, its good but just not £25 good.

Domaine du Grand Mayne - Revolution 2011, Bordeaux, France

Domaine du Grand Mayne – Revolution 2011, Bordeaux, France

Louis Jadot Chateau des Jacques, Fleurie, France

Nouveau Beaujolais was one of the worst ideas anyone ever came up with for it painted what was a rather good wine region with wine which is not fit for consumption. It took me 15 years to go back to Beaujolais and only after an expert gave me a decent bottle.

This is a dry red with good firm tannins that grip the mouth. There are aromas of sour cherries, oak and over ripe redcurrant but the taste is more redcurrant with smokey and spice undertones.

This got a bronze medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards but I think this is better than that. The International wine challenge gave this a silver medal which I believe was right. At about £20 a bottle it’s not cheap but is ftom Fleurie.

Louis Jadot Chateau des Jacques Fleurie

Louis Jadot Chateau des Jacques Fleurie