Planquette 2021 Vin de France (Medoc)

Didier Michaud created "Planquette," one of the most unique domains in Bordeaux on 1.7 hectares in the Medoc with 30 to 100 year-old vines on limestone with thin soils of clay with sand and stones.  The estate has old vines of Merlot Queue Rouge and massale selection Cabernet Sauvignon, farmed organically with just a little compost and shallow plowing. Vinification with wild yeasts, no extraction and no added sulfur (total SO2 less than 2 mg/L). This is one of the most "natural" and deliciously old-fashioned wines of Bordeaux. During the 2021 vintage Didier was forced to retire due to health issues and the estate was taken over by two capable and experienced winemakers, Blandine Prévot et Jérémy Borde. The 2021 is their first wine and it beautifully continues Didier's great work. Lighter and lower in alcohol at 12.5 % than the previous hot vintages, the 2021 shows gorgeous, very floral aromas of cassis and black raspberry, very fresh and pretty. The palate continues the beautiful aromas, with hints of earth, minerals, tobacco and spice, finishing with firm acidity and elegant tannins. This is a delightful, natural Bordeaux at a crazy price - serve cool and decant if drinking now and put a case away for five to ten years as well...