Maison Sichel Pauillac 2018

13.5% abv, 750ml, Bordeaux, France.

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Tasting notes: It’s deep fluorescent ruby in colour. Rich and elegant on the nose, with lashings of pure cassis, aromatic green tobacco leaf, and earthy notes. Gentle powdery tannins convey youthful swathes of blackberry and red plum alongside a generous body with a prolonged, balanced finish. French oak barrels offer up a nuanced vanilla spice, too.