***91 Points Decanter Magazine*** Country : France   Region: Bordeaux Superieur Varietal: Merlot 85% / Cabernet  15%  Vintage: 2020  Colour: Red Style: Dry Awards: 90 points James Suckling Gold Medal Concours de Paris 2022 Gold Medal Concours de Lyon 2022 Silver Medal Concours Vinalies  silver Medal Concours Mondial Bruxelles Producer: Chateau La Verriere - Alain Bessette Description: The Bessette family has been making wine for four generations. The talented owner-winemaker Alain Bessette is named among the 'Talents de Bordeaux Supérieur' every year, a shortlist of top winemakers in the AOP, and his wines consistently win prizes and accolades. Traditional red wine vinification is carried out in the brand-new winery, to the east of Bordeaux in the village of Landerrouat. Ageing is done in barrels from a variety of different cooperages, all medium toast, mostly French with a couple of American ones (Mendocino). The Verriere red has excellent structure with aromas of red cherry, blackberry, juicy raspberry and toasty notes from the barrel ageing. Tannins are silky and a long with an impressive finish.It makes an excellent accompaniment to beef, lamb, game and hard cheeses. Tasting Note: A full-bodied Bordeaux red blend of mostly Merlot with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon adding body and structure to this dry, robust and made for a grilled steak or beef bourgignon. Lots of smoky, spiced plum, savoury herbs and cassis flavours on the palate. Tannins are firm. Food Matches: Beef / Lamb / Goat Cheese / Venison / Game