Château Bel-Air la Royère's 2004 comes from a classically styled vintage, and is one of the finest wines in Bordeaux's underrated Blaye district.

Bel-Air la Royère is a charming farmhouse perched on one of Blaye’s rolling hills with sweeping views over this right bank Bordeaux district which offers some great values. Under Xavier and Corinne Loriaud, Bel-Air has risen to the top of Blaye's ladder, although they are certainly not shouting it from their hilltop.

They say that wines often reflect the personality of their growers and that is certainly true of this unpretentious boutique operation that is in it for love as much as making a living. Unusually for Bordeaux, 25% of the blend is Malbec, which adds unusual body, depth and spice to the blend.

Dark cherry fruit on the nose with melded vanilla notes and cedary cigar box hints. Beautifully textured palate packed with brambly fruit, savoury chocolate nuances and spice and an impressive persistence. Lovely structure and balance with the savoury Malbec working in harmony with the ripe Merlot.