Alain Proteau 2012 Le Garage Bordeaux Superieur 750ml

The grapes come from Chateau La Martinette, a lovely old property owned by the Lurton family, located in Moulon, on the left bank of the Dordogne, in the region of Entre deux Mers. The vineyard is a 7 hectare property of very densely-planted old merlot vines. The property had been sadly neglected after the Second World War - since 1994 it has been lovingly revived by Jacques Lurton. The clay-limestone soils are remarkably similar to those found on the heights of St Emilion and thus are a natural fit for producing balanced, low yielding merlot.

The wine is delightful, a beautiful example of an old-fashioned style that is dying out, namely traditional 'claret' - understated, elegant, and refined wine made for quiet enjoyment, not point scores from critics. Not many wines can be perfectly described in one word, but this one can: it is 'balanced', with a very satisfying harmony between its fruit, acid, tannin, oak, and alcohol. In the classic manner of old-school claret it quietly proves the principle of less is more. It is light but eminently satisfying, so much so that at the end of the meal you are likely to be taken aback by how much you enjoyed drinking so little.

--Trialto