Ch Haut-Rian Rouge, Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux 2020

Quietly spoken Michel Dietrich was born in Alsace and trained in Burgundy, Bordeaux and Australia's Clare Valley before returning to settle in the small but historic town of Rions on the right bank of the Garonne river. His approachable wines, white and red, are wondeful examples of the value to be had in the hilly Cotes de Bordeaux, invariably overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbouring appellations. His red, currently from the excellent 2015 vintage, is a classic Merlot-heavy blend, aged six months in oak barriques (a quarter of them new), with ripe juicy black fruit, soft tannins and a slightly savoury finish. 

 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon & 10% Cabernet Franc

 Bordeaux, France

 13% ABV