(2024) This is 100% Merlot from 31-year-old vines grown on clay, with medium-high limestone content. Vineyards face south/south-east at 150 metres. It matures for 18 months in oak barrels from Allier, Never, Limousin and Tronçais. Deep, saturated colour, the nose overflows with black berry fruit, spiced and peppery with some floral nuances. Very fragrant oak quality. Full, sweet-fruited and rich on the palate, there's a deep layer of black fruit, but some raspberry tartness to the fruit and acid alos adds interest. The creamy, coffeeish oak and supple, fine tannins make for a velvetty, hedonistic style. No UK retail stockists listed at time of review.

(2018) Named after the castle of Castelrotto in Valpolicella, this is Corvina, dried for about 30 days, then after a long fermentation in Slavonian oak casks it is aged in small French oak barrels. It has a firm briar and cherry nose, with plum and a touch of dried herbs. On the palate it is firm with a bittersweet endive note, the oak and depth of the dried Corvina adding a balsamic richness and again that spicy, herby edge. Grippy yet fruity, and a serious food wine.