Chateau Lariveau, Haut-Médoc 0.75

Region/Appeal: Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux

The château is run by Berangère Tesseron, the wife of Basile Tesseron of 4th Growth Château Lafon Rochet in nearby Saint-Estephe. Basil is the nephew of Alfred Tesseron of Pauillac, of Château Pontet Canet fame. Larrivaux has existed since the late 16th century and has been run by the family’s women through the generations. The wine has a particular degree of finesse and elegance that might lead some to call it feminine. This makes sense, given the history of the chateau.

Varieties: Merlot 62%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, Cabernet Franc 10%, Petit Verdot 3%

Tasting notes:

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it has a fine crisp dark blackberry nose: good definition with hints of black olive tapenade and a touch of smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with a lovely, slightly “digestive” taste, good acidity, very well balanced with a fine, quite spicy finish. – Neil Martin: 89-91/100