Consistently the most powerful of the Bishop Rey bottlings, this is concentrated and intense, great structure. The ruby colour is beginning to brick around the edges, melting the tannins as it approaches full drinking window, with waves of berry, pomegranate, tobacco and crayon. From a Iha plot that heads from 75m down to 65m slopes, clay over limestone soils. Thomas Duclos consultant, organic farming.

Aromas of dark olives with meaty undertones and a touch of thyme. Medium- to full-bodied with a succulent, juicy profile that leads to a crunchy finish of dark fruit. Linear and fine at the end. Pure merlot. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.