Edmond de Rothschild Chateau Clarke Le Merle Blanc 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Baron Edmond de Rothschild has ruled the Chateau Clarke since 1973 when he bought it from the homonymous Irish family. This is an enchanting place in the Listrac Médoc appellation whose beautifully structured garden alone shows the nobility of this fertile land. Renowned since the 12th century, the 54-hectare vineyard on clay-limestone hills gives pride of place to Merlot grapes but also produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. The grapes are selected and harvested manually in the cool morning hours. A light pressing follows in the cellar. The must is fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks (80%) and partly in new barriques. Finally, the wines are aged for five months in stainless steel tanks. Le Merle Blanc de Château Clarke shines with a straw yellow color with green-gold reflections. On the nose, first, it surprises with an intense and complex bouquet of sun-ripened citrus fruits and white flowers, then after swirling a bit, there are notes of white peach and gooseberry. The palate is dominated by aromatic citrus fruits. The wine is elegant and fresh, at the same time round and balanced, with a fullness of juicy fruit and well integrated oak. Try it with vegetarian summer dishes, grilled fish, and seafood or Vietnamese cuisine.

Price: £27.20 from 8wines UK