Gérard Bertrand : La Forge 2020

A well-knit red, featuring fresh blackberry and mocha-dusted plum flavors that are concentrated and juicy, with the substantial ripe fruit enveloping a lush, creamy palate. This is nicely balanced by bitter chocolate, smoked bacon, roasted herbs and a deep vein of minerality. Carignan and Syrah. Drink now through 2030. 861 cases made.

Aromatic and complex nose with dark berries, dark cherries, black olives, dried herbs, roasted meat, baking spices, undergrowth and tobacco leaves. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Well built with an intense development of dark berries, herbs and spices mingling around the center. Lively with tension and a wise structure supporting the focused and textural long finish. Try after 2024.