Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Blaignan reveals a nose of warm black and red currants, black raspberries and chocolate-covered cherries with hints of bay leaves, tilled soil and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied palate has impressive freshness and bags of crunchy red and black fruits, textured by chewy tannins, finishing with an invigorating herbal lift.

Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois annual tasting, the 2015 Blaignan offers simple raspberry coulis and pomegranate scents on the earthy nose that just loses a little vigor in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, quite sharp and angular, while there is some greenness that comes through on the rather bony finish. Tasted September 2017.

The 2014 Blaignan did not show well in barrel and, to be honest, the question remains whether it should be a Cru Bourgeois. It feels under-ripe and dusty on the nose, while the palate is light and bitter. Tasted September 2016.

A dark and fruity style of wine, Blaignan’s 2012 exhibits ripe tannin and medium body in an endearing, charming style. An equal-part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon hardly explains the plumpness and juiciness, given the high Merlot content in this cru bourgeois. It is a pretty as well as seductive style of wine to drink over the next 4-5 years.

Also recommended, but no tasting note given.