Prince de George 7, AOC Fronsac, 2020

Although officially the château's second wine, this 100% Merlot is the result of a strict selection including the use of an optical sorter - unheard of in a wine at this price point but indicative of the attention to detail that runs through these wines. Medium ruby in the glass, it's fresh and finely-tuned nose of ripe damson, bramble and cedar leads to a cheerful palate with black cherry and blackberry plus a smattering of mint and nutmeg from nine months in French oak. The finish is creamy and long with buoyant acidity and ripe tannins. This is textbook stuff punching well above its weight. 2025-2027–MP