Located just south of CussacFort-Medoc, du Retout has 34ha of vineyards for red wines, sitting on clay/gravel and deep Garonne gravel-based soils; vines average 30 years old and some were planted in the 1950s. The 2018 blend was 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28.5% Merlot and 11.5% Petit Verdot, handpicked and sorted, fermented in stainless steel with twice-daily rack and return, then aged for 12 months in 33% new barriques. Aromatic and expressive, alive and upfront. A celebration of cherry fruit: ripe, fresh, potent, with cherry stones, liquorice and graphite. Nuance and texture, with lots to like.

A balanced, refined red with layers of fine tannins that are polished and very pretty. Medium body. Nice brightness and a fresh finish. Drink or hold.

This wine has dense tannins along with perfumed spice, rich blackberry fruits and the weight of the alcohol. At this stage, all the elements are poised to integrate, promising a wine with a rich, full and concentrated future.