Château Grand Barrail Lamazelle Figeac 2018 Saint Emilion Grand Cru

With one of the longest names in the region Ch. Grand Barrail Lamazelle Figeac has been owned by the old Bordeaux firm of Dourthe since 2005. Several years of replanting and cellar rebuilding has paid off as this is one of the best wines I have tried from this property. The estate was formed from three ancient small holdings of Clos Lamarzelle, Grand Barrail, and Lamarzelle-Figeac which was part of Château Figeac till the second half of the 19th century. Its good position close to Ch. Figeac and Ch. Cheval Blanc on flinty Gravel over green clay, planted with 69% Merlot and 31% Cabernet Franc; the wine spends 14-18 months in oak barrels, 33% new. With an attractive plummy nose with notes of violets and herbs from the Cabernet Franc and a dark fruited palate with hints of bitter chocolate, espresso and spices and ripe tannins; this is approachable now but will keep well.