This pure merlot is really spicy with cloves to the blackberry, black-olive and wet-earth character. Full-bodied and refined with beautiful energy and focus. Salty and minerally. Aged mostly in casks with some amphora and new-oak barrels. From organically grown grapes.

The 2020 Marsau tastes like the very essence of Francs Côtes de Bordeaux, with aromas of violet, cassis, flowers, blueberry, graphite and a touch of menthol. It’s medium to full-bodied, broad, vibrant and vinous, with terrific freshness and a long, sapid, saline finish. I admit to having a weakness for the wines from this small estate owned by Anne-Laurence and Mathieu Chadronnier. One of the best vintages ever produced here.

Tasted by Jane Anson(at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)

A clay-dominant terroir, so atypical for Francs, where limestone is the rule. This is a great Marsau, delivering an essence of blackberry and cassis fruits with intense freshness but also with a seductive texture and power that widens through the mid palate and doesn't let go. An easy recommendation, one that I really suggest seeking out. Winemaker Anne-Laurence Chardronnier. Organic, will be certified as of the 2021 vintage, located on the edge of the village of Francs, 96m in altitude at this point, surrounded by fields and woodland, a very preserved and intact ecosystem. Native yeast fermentation, low SO2, 3,000l casks for 55% of ageing, 15% new oak.

Drinking Window 2023 - 2030

Cask sample. Extraordinarily deep colour. Rich plummy fruit. After the initial fruit purity, the palate has a metallic note and finishes quickly. Bitter leafiness on the finish. (RH)