Château du Moulin-à-Vent : Les Vérillats 2020

Elegant and refined, with some real power, too. This has nice integration of black pepper, charred apple wood and black tea notes that underscore red plum and cherry. A polished, balanced red, with good depth. Drink now through 2028. 400 cases made, 100 cases imported.

Less oaky than in the past, with greater purity and finesse; a caressing palate, energetic fruit, slightly firm tannins. It will age with style.

Still marked by a fine reduction and slightly vegetal notes, the fruit appears evanescent, with measured power and a delicate touch. A lovely granitic imprint punctuates the finish. Great aging potential.

The nose benefits from decanting. It is airy, aromatic, peppery, and delivers a subtle, delicate power. There are notes of wild pepper, bigarreau cherry, and, more lightly, blackberry, joined by hints of violet and peppery/spicy touches. The palate is fruity, offering freshness, juiciness, tension, refined minerality, and a certain depth. On the palate, this wine shows notes of juicy/fresh blackberry, juicy/fresh bigarreau cherry, and, more lightly, fresh/juicy raspberry, combined with hints of fresh blond tobacco, fine sappy/local undergrowth nuances, and discreet almond notes. Lovely freshness and minerality. Good length. A fine tension. The tannins are sapid and fresh.