Les Sureaux 2020

A Merlot that works through coolness and clarity. Deep violet in the glass, transparent and open in character, carried by a freshness that runs through the entire wine.

The Les Sureaux parcel measures 2.2 hectares and lies in Puisseguin at 82 to 100 metres above sea level, twelve kilometres from Saint-Émilion. The soil consists of 30 percent clay, 40 percent silt and 30 percent sand, reaching a depth of 50 to 80 centimetres, over a base of asteria limestone. Pascal Amoreau, whose family has run Château Le Puy since 1610, brought this walled estate back to life in 2013. He farms 16 hectares and vinifies each parcel separately.

Exclusively Merlot, from vines averaging 35 years old. The vineyard is farmed biodynamically, with horses ploughing between the rows. After hand-harvesting, the wine fermented spontaneously, then was rhythmically stirred according to the lunar calendar. This was followed by 18 months in used oak barrels; bottled without fining or filtration, at 13.5% alcohol by volume, dry.

The nose is initially reserved, growing more intense with air: plenty of blackcurrant, plus plum, blackberry, cherry and violet, underscored by limestone dust and lightly grilled herbs. Juicy, cool and elegant on the palate, with bright, lively acidity and silky tannin that is only faintly firm, showing a slight astringency while young.

With rogan josh lamb curry, mushroom pizza and pheasant with cranberry sauce.

Agroforestry and permaculture are integrated into the vineyard. Decanter named Closerie Saint Roc one of its "Top 10 Bordeaux Producers to Watch" in 2020.