Anyone who can make wine whilst shells are exploding around them deserves recognition for their efforts. Serge Hochar and his team have been rewarded with a wine that is justifiably internationally recognised as one of the world's greats. This wine can age but you will have a hard job resisting its immediate charms. Grilled meat such as lamb is required here. High quality ingredients simply cooked will let both food and wine give maximum pleasure.

A juicy, textured, joyful red, with silky tannins and loads of purity. Notes of dark cherry and blackcurrant swirl from the glass, with plenty of floral notes and mint, too.

Deep in the glass, the nose exudes sumptuous black fruit and sweet cassis, allied to more herbal nuances. On the palate, cassis fruit leads the way, with notes of blackcurrant leaf, herbs, spice and cocoa. There is a cool-climate sense of precision, with fine tannins providing a gentle grip. Juicy, layered with an enlivening note of acidity revealed towards a long-drawn finish.