WINE OF THE WEEK: Le Moulin Rose de Malescasse 2020, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France

£16.99, Majestic

Going back through my Wines of the Week I realise how hard red Bordeaux has to fight to earn itself a place; or, to put it another way, how good and good value I have to think a claret is before it makes it to the hallowed spot.

It probably shouldn’t be like that but, as I’ve said before (excuses, excuses), there’s always a temptation to shine the light on something new and different, whether it’s a style, region, grape variety, producer or something downright obscure but delectable. Not this week.

Le Moulin Rose de Malescasse is the second wine of Château Malescasse, one of only 14 out of 250 Crus Bourgeois to be classified Exceptionnel. It lies next to the commune of Margaux and is certified sustainable.

The blend of the Moulin Rose 2020 – a very good vintage – is more or less equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with 10 per cent Petit Verdot. It makes its entry with a whiff of fragrant violets and carries through with plump, ripe mulberry and cassis fruit, classic Médoc graphite savour and freshness and subtle oak.

It’s pretty irresistible now, but you could easily keep it for another five years in cellar conditions, which makes it even better value.

As for food: roast, grilled or slow-braised lamb, veal chops, steak, roast duck, confit de canard, roast or pot-roast guinea fowl, black rice, brown or green lentils, roast root vegetables, or cheeses such as Comté, aged Gouda and Manchego. 13.5%

Le Moulin Rose de Malescasse 2020, Haut Médoc, Bordeaux, France

£16.99 in any 6-bottle mix, £19.99, singly, Majestic

#wine #France #Bordeaux #CabernetSauvignon #Merlot #wineandfood #winepairing #red