Planquette 2022 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 zero added sulfur. 85% aged in barrels (none new) for 14 months and 15% in amphora. 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 2022 shows very ripe cassis and blackberry aromas with licorice, violet, bitter chocolate and earth. The palate is dense, deep and velvety, with black fruit liqueur, earth and mineral flavors. The mid-palate is elegant with a core of chalky black fruit and minerals that continues in the long finish. This is a beautiful Bordeaux of terroir, unfettered by additives, over-extraction or new oak, showing lovely flavors of fruit and earth and perfect balance despite the weight and ripeness of the vintage. 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...