The 2020 Rahoul from Graves is an impressive wine. It's quite a deep and intense nose here, as often at this estate, and there's stunning purity of tannins on the palate. This is clearly Graves: a wine that shows its origins beautifully, at an outstanding price.
Lots of chocolate, blackberry and currant aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with chewy, polished tannins. Structured and polished for this appellation.
Bright, a little soft through the mid palate but good quality. Enjoyable, succulent nectarine fruits as it opens. 15% new oak for eight months ageing with lees stirring.
The 2020 Rahoul feels a little subdued on the nose and lacks the exuberance and vivacity of its peers. That said, I appreciate the black olive tincture that emerges with aeration. The palate is better, very marine-influenced with fine acidity and good grip, though it cuts away too swiftly toward the finish. It’s difficult to see where this will end up after bottling. Two bottles tasted with consistent notes.
Mid crimson. More evolved than the Médoc heavy hitters. But with very nice sweet, ripe tannins and a refreshing aspect to it. Very sincere. Even if not especially concentrated. Light, fresh, relatively simple. But well made for what it is. Len Evans (who persuaded his financier friend Peter Fox to buy this property way back in the 1970s) can sleep easy in his grave.
Maturity Ready 2018 - 2024
Prices shown in bond
Critic score 92.5/100
Maturity Young 2026 - 2038
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