Graves Château des Gravières, Collection Prestige

France – 2016

13.5% ABV

Tasting Note: Bordeaux from gravelly Graves, scented with wood and toast, then transforming into prunes and liquorice in the mouth.

Food Matching: Grilled quail with wilted cabbage slaw, grilled flank steak with sautéed portabella and cremini mushrooms, grilled lamb shanks with a summer savoury mustard marinade.

Awards and Press News: ‘Intense yet elegant,’ began Janusz Sasiadek of Bottles & Battles in praise of this Gold Lister, while Quentin Loisel of Restaurant Sat Bains spoke highly of its ‘fresh chalk and Granny Smith apple, with a refreshing lime cordial note, too’. Elisa Soggia of Kai Mayfair agreed, describing ‘fresh green apple and freshly cut grass’, while team leader Andres Ituarte found ‘ginger and lemongrass – a delicate wine with some nice mineral notes, too’. Gold Medal, Sommelier Wine Awards 2019