Chateau Nicot Bordeaux, 2018

This small and relatively unknown Bordeaux property is located at Ecoussans, a town on the right bank of the River Garonne, roughly 35 kilometres south of Bordeaux. For over two centuries it has been in the hands of the Dubourg family, which has a total of 85 hectares of vines covering nine Bordeaux appellations, including some just over the river at Cadillac and in Sauternes.

Château Nicot is the cornerstone of the family's vineyard plantings. The property has 15 hectares of vines, with an average age of 20 years, made up of two-thirds cabernet sauvignon and one-third merlot. They are planted on a mixture of limestone and clay soils.

Vinification is traditional but without heavy extraction, with the aim being to create a supple style for everyday drinking. The wine is matured in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and French oak barrels - a third of which are new oak - for up to ten months.

PAIR WITH  ROASTED LAMB, SAUSAGE, DUCK CONFIT