Merlot

Earthy & Rustic

The construction of Château Plaisance dates back to the 1780s, however its vineyards are much older. Bordering the Margaux appellation, Château Plaisance's vineyards overlooks the Garonne River and counts with ten hectares. 

The soils name 'palues' are mostly composed of clay, with a small percentage of sand. Its particularity is that is is located only a few meters away from the Garonne River. The 'palues' were gained on the river thanks to a draining technique implemented in Bordeaux by the Dutch. The 'palues' contain a large amount of sediments that were before underwater, making it a rich and fertile soil. In the past, wines produced on 'palues' were considered the best of their appellation.

An elegantly matured Bordeaux Superieur with surprising persistence. Named after the limestone soils ('palues') of the vineyards, this blend of 70% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot is showing lovely earthy, leather and licorice notes along with cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant.

 A stunning value.

Pair with rack of lamb and braised fennel.

Rich & Elegant

Softly-textured wine from an estate in Lussac-Saint-Emilion. Moulin Noir consists of seven hectares of vineyards on a good clay and limestone site. The wine is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc and is aged 12 months in oak.

This notably complex right bank blend from a satellite appellation of Saint-Emilion offers appealing savoury notes along with a mineral, iron component and liquorice spice. The oak treatment is wonderfully integrated with wood spice elevating the bright red fruit. Harmoniously matured, graceful and very elegant. The staying power of the finish is impressive. Drinking very well now.

The high content of Merlot in this wines makes it perfect with spicy Asian dishes like Korean hotspots or Chinese food. It also pairs nicely with roasted lamb or duck terrines and with fatty cheeses like Comté.

Classy & Complex

Château Les Paruades is located in Macau en Médoc, on the foothills of the Margaux appellation and on the edge of the Gironde. The estate covers an area of 3.5 hectares with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc planted on clayey palus soil.  The vinification process follows the traditional methods of the Médoc, with total destemming and fermentation in stainless steel and concrete vats.

A blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc in Pomerol mimic, attractive and edgy when it wants or needs to be. Right Bank stylistic in any case, herbals and amaro welling through with liqueur consistency and fashion. Quite chic and notably concentrated, really credible, with brisk acidity and plenty of toughness keeping the wine safe, elongated and with portents of further potential. Quite a steal actually.

Rich & Elegant

Softly-textured wine from an estate in Montagne-Saint-Emilion. Moulin Noir consists of seven hectares of vineyards on a good clay and limestone site. 

For this 2010 blend, grapes are sourced from a satellite region of Bordeaux known as Lussac-Saint-Emilion even though the estate is located in neighbouring Montagne-Saint Emilion. Lussac-Saint-Emilion is the northernmost of the satellites and is slightly higher and more hilly than the others. The name of the estate means "blackened mill", and is in reference to two feuding brothers of the Middle Ages one of which burned the Château to the ground.

From an excellent vintage, this wine has held up remarkably well and is a delight to drink at present, salty and a touch ferrous with dried wild herbs, leather and macerated cherry on the palate. The tannins have been abated over time adding a velvety volume to the palate. Excellent length.

Château Haut Grelot, situated near the Gironde Estuary north of Bordeaux, has been dedicated to vineyard care and winemaking since 1920. 

This classic Bordeaux blend features 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, cultivated in the gravelly, sandy, and silty soils of Côtes de Bordeaux. Exhibiting a deep ruby hue, its bouquet reveals vibrant red berry aromas complemented by vanilla and spice. On the palate, the wine is smooth, fruit-forward, and well-structured, making it an excellent companion to game or red meat dishes.

Rich & Elegant

Located along the edge of the Haut Medoc and at the very beginning of the Margaux appellation, Château Laronde-Desormes shows exceptional character beyond its simple “Bordeaux Supérieur” appellation. Harvested at extremely low yields, the resulting wine is full of finesse and elegance, with well-balanced bright fruit and a long, satisfying finish.  A concentrated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, it tastes more like one of its more costly Margaux neighbors than a humble Bordeaux rouge.

The wood-aged wine's fruit is developing along with ripe tannins. It has a touch of spice and black-currant flavors. It is an attractive wine, ready from 2025.
The Laronde Desormes is especially deep in color, hauntingly aromatic, and packed with blackberry and cassis fruit as well as plenty of ample ripe tannins.

Fine red Bordeaux like the Château Laronde Desormes is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with poultry, red meats, rich sauces, and game—think duck, pheasant, quail—or dishes like Sautéed Veal Medallions, Filet Mignon with shiitake mushrooms, or Chicken Fricassee. It also complements soft cow’s-milk cheeses (Gouda, Morbier, Muenster, Port Salut) and shines when served alongside simple, fresh, high-quality ingredients.