Château Tayac, Margaux 2023

A smart, modern Margaux from one of the few family-run estates left in the area, the blend leans on Cabernet Sauvignon, as you'd expect, bolstered by Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot for added grip and colour. Fermented in a mix of cement and stainless-steel tanks, it's aged for 12 months in French oak, about a third of which are first use, which lends a subtle mocha note. Bright and inviting, it's packed with blackberry and cassis flavours, while the oak is seamlessly integrated into the finish. A wine that speaks of the care and attention behind its crafting.

Still youthful but ready to enjoy, it works a treat with coq au Riesling on the one hand, or Munster cheese on the other, their rich, creamy flavours balancing the wine's dark fruit and gentle spice beautifully.

Château Tayac spans 37 hectares of classic gravel soils in Soussans, prime territory for Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and a dash of Petit Verdot also in the mix. Unlike the corporate-owned châteaux that dominate Margaux, Tayac remains firmly in family hands, with the Portets having been at the helm for four generations. Nicolas Portet handles the winemaking, while Guy Portet oversees the vineyards using the Methode Cousinié - a science-led, eco-conscious approach that's a touch less mystical than biodynamics but just as meticulous. The result is sustainably grown, high-quality fruit crafted into wines that quietly make their mark in this illustrious appellation.