Château Tessendey Fronsac 2015, Bordeaux, France

The history of the d’Arfeuille family, who has lived in the Libourne area since the 18th century, goes hand in hand with that of wine growing along the Right Bank. Chateau Tessendey has belonged to the d’Arfeuille family since 1972, and was overhauled in 2000. Arnaud d’Arfeuille strives to make ‘haute couture’ style wines from just under 8 hectares of vines enjoying a perfect aspect along the appellation’s sunny hillsides. 2015 vintage – 85% Merlot Noir, 15% Cabernet Franc. Grapes sorted by hand and machine, vatted for 25 days in concrete tanks, bully temperature controlled. Ages in 20% new French oak barrels for 15 months. This is a structured and finely ripe wine. It has great balance between the tannins and the black currants. Packed with fruit and the barest hints of wood aging, it is developing well.