ChâteauGrandVillageBordeauxSuperieur

This harmonious blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc is an attractive and refreshing Bordeaux with ripe plum aromas mixed with hints of sweet wild herbs and lavender. As the wine evolves on the palate, its lively freshness and fine minerality round out the tasting experience and distinguish this as an exceptional example of Bordeaux Supérieur.

Owned by the proprietor of Chateau Lafleur (the Guinaudeau family), this blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc was harvested between September 24 and October 12. It is a sexy, elegant, fruity effort with lots of raspberry and cherry notes, medium body and sweet tannin. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

Good deep, bright ruby. Musky aromas of dark cherry, sweet spices, smoke and violet. Round, supple and sweet on entry, showing an almost liqueur-like quality to its red fruit flavors, then more austere toward the back, with firm acidity toughening things up. Finishes moderately long, with enticing notes of minerals and herbs. This lovely wine is a testament to the immense talents of Baptiste Guinaudeau of Chateau Lafleur, who also makes the wines of Grand Village. Given the vintage weather, this is the first time Grand Village has had this much merlot, but Guinaudeau told me it was a well-pondered decision aimed at taking advantage of the softer, charming side of the merlot this year. – Ian D’Agata, Vinous

Bright, deep cherry. Aromatic and peppery. Juicy, tight and fresh but with a slaty finish. Lots of mineral, graphite, even with just a small percentage of Cabernet Franc. Dryish finish. – Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com

Owned and worked by the Guinaudeau family since 1650, who also make the famed Château Lafleur in Pomerol. Grand Village is located in Fronsac, and utilises a blend of 93% Merlot to 7% Cabernet Franc to achieve a soft, approachable style. Plummy dark fruit and rosemary come to the fore with a lovely juicy character. There is some tannic framework but it is very much in the background. A very pleasant ‘everyday’ Bordeaux. – James Button, Decanter