Clos Lagassa 2009 comes from a tiny production of low-yielding, unoaked Merlot from the impressive, yet petite, Bel Air La Royere stable.

The story of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage is one of picking at exactly the right time to ensure ripeness, yet avoid excessive alcohol levels. Winemakers had to keep their wits about them as Corinne Loriaud and consultant Christian Veyry did with this lovely little luncheon Claret.

Precious little of this good, honest Bordeaux is ever produced, let alone exported, so please do not miss out on this great value.

Sumptuous ripe cherry, blackberry and violet aromas greet the nose, along with hints of torrefied spice, tobacco leaf, liquorice and black pepper. Creamy, concentrated and well melded on the palate; deliciously balanced with underlying minerality and a fresh finish.

"This is what you hope Bordeaux at under a tenner will be – succulent and supple with mulberry fruit, enough blackcurrant-leaf to give freshness but not greenness, gentle oak giving a touch of sandalwood and a dry, clean finish. It's a Merlot-dominated blend (with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) from the Bel-Air la Royère stable (see above) and not much is made. You have been warned." The Wine Gang