Château La Chenade, under the stewardship of the enigmatic and highly regarded Denis Durantou, of lEglise-Clinet, has consistently been one of the best value wines produced in Bordeaux. Located in the Lalande de Pomerol appellation, the vineyard is planted to Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and the wines are generous and complex, with the dark fruit and savoury characteristics typical of the region.

With a deep purple colour, this wine delivers on its promise from the barrel now that it is in bottle. Violets, cocoa and clove add lift and spice to the nose, which is youthful and ripe. The palate has a crunchy, refined texture from the still firm tannins softened by vibrant black cherry and plum. Hints of smoke and spice from measured oak provide sweetness and complexity and there is a cool, ripe lift throughout the palate that leaves a savoury and moreish, long finish. This is approachable now if you open an hour before serving or give it a light decant, and will continue to improve over the next five years in bottle. Another superb effort from Denis Durantou that over-delivers on its price point.