Planquette (Didier Michaud) 2020 Vin de France

Didier Michaud works 1.7 hectares in the Medoc with 30 to 100 year-old vines on limestone with thin soils of clay with sand and stones.  He 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. In the glass, the 2020 is dark black and plummy in color. The nose is heady, with aromas of blackberry, earth, graphite, coffee and pungent dark flowers. Flavors steer towards ripe fruits, like blueberry, blackberry, and cassis. Anise and herbs, with crunchy minerals, add flare to the wine's fruit. Great density, a velvety texture with engaging tannins and firm, bright acidity. Definitely a bold Bordeaux, clocking in at 14.5% ABV, but so delicious, well structured and drinkable. Serve with a steak or roast and please decant if possible or open the day before - or cellar 5 to 10 years. Yum! -DH/DL