Château Magdelaine St Emilion Grand Cru Classé Premier Grand Cru Classé B 2008

Medium intensity vibrant cherry red, in its drinking window but still showing so much juicy, salt-scraped texture, with decades ahead. Love this wine, feels both concentrated and light on its feet, with a cushion of air and feather-soft tannins, understated without being reserved, with a kick of cinammon and turmeric spice through the mid palate. Autumn leaf and brambled crushed raspberries carry it through the finish, with oyster shell salinity. These are gentle wines, with so much character, so charming. Eric Murisasco winemaker, taking over after Jean-Claude Berrouet’s retirement, 50% new oak for ageing. Moueix family owners, and this was the year that they bought the neighbouring Château Bélair, renaming it Bélair-Monange.