The Sangreal Vineyard is the oldest planting (1994) on a north-facing slope of red ironstone on the surface going to limestone to bluestone below. The rows run north to south, gaining full sun exposure throughout the day and resulting in prettier, more perfumed wines. It is the first vineyard to be harvested. Sangreal is consistently made with 60 to 70% whole bunch and aged in new oak. It is fermented in a five-tonne oak barrel with an open-top fermenter. The wine is unfined and unfiltered in order to retain its natural flavour and bouquet. 2016 Sangreal shows great complexity with forest floor, baking spices and wild strawberries.

From Rock Angel onwards these are produced 100% from estate grapes (some now leased but still worked entirely by the chateau). When this launched, I found this to be the heaviest wine of the range, but today find it the most improved with more clear personality than the Whispering Angel today. A pale, barely-there pink, with a pure, youthful nose that is both fresh yet intense on the palate. Citrus-rinsed redcurrant fruits from both Grenache and Rolle, with no noticeable oak, although it is aged in 600 litre barrels.

Classic Left Bank 'Value' Claret that's pleasurable and accessible now but will also age quite gracefully. Perennial Staff Fav and the 2014 is spot on!

Classic Margaux!