Chateau des Annereaux 2020

Unfussy and fruit-filled with touches of baked earth and liquorice root – this has a lovely grip and freshness throughout. Rustic in all the right ways, feels unforced and easy to recommend, packed with tight cassis and brambled fruits, clear Cabernet Sauvignon influence although a minority in the blend. Axel Marchal consultant. Certified organic. A yield of 12hl/ha (these are sandy clay soils and no doubt suffered a little with the drought), 25% new oak.

Deep purple with a violet rim. Delicate wild-berry bouquet layered with fresh morello cherry juice, cassis drops and licorice, backed by floral notes. On the finely structured palate, lovely extract sweetness, supported ripe tannins, medium body and well-sustained drive. Aromatic finish of blue berries, tarragon and light tobacco. After last year’s successful debut, Benjamin Hessel proves it wasn’t a lucky shot – well done!

Robust, muscular and showing a certain tannic load, this wine offers a somewhat austere profile, in an earthy register with depth, density, a very ripe palette, and a fairly pronounced tannic framework at this stage that nonetheless promises excellent aging. The vintage effect is noticeable, and it differs from the 2019.