Croix de Marsan Bordeaux 2023

Croix de Marsan Bordeaux A supple, fruit-led Bordeaux red built around Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc adding shape and lift. Blackberry, cassis and ripe cherry sit at the centre, joined by sweet spice and a gentle toastiness. The palate is rounded and easy-moving, with fine tannins, balanced freshness and a smooth, savoury finish. Made in the Entre-deux-Mers by the family-owned Vignobles Gonfrier, it brings classic claret character in a particularly approachable style. Pour it with roast lamb, duck, beef sausages or a mushroom-rich casserole, and give it a brief spell in the decanter before serving.

What the winery says:

The 2023 is approximately 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, grown on clay-limestone slopes and gravelly sites in the Entre-deux-Mers. The fruit was destemmed before a 48-hour cold soak and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in tank. The wine was matured for 12 months using stainless steel and oak barrels, including 10% new oak. Deep ruby in colour, it shows blackcurrant, ripe cherry and sweet spice, with a supple texture, fine tannins and a rounded finish.