The Wine.

The La Folie 2018 comes from the best plot on Gonzague's estate, where 30 - 40 year old, low-yielding Merlot vines surround a small 18th century architectural 'folly'.

The wine was aged in French barrel for 12 months before release. It is fresh and finely balanced with plump cassis and plum fruit, silky tannins and notes of sandalwood and tobacco.

It is perfect for drinking now while the vibrant fruit stands up nicely to the oak, but can certainly age too if you favour a more savoury, mature style of Claret.

The Estate.

Following years of training at respected châteaux around Bordeaux and in the Loire Valley, Gonzague bought his winery and a first plot of 3.2 hectares of vines back in 2005. Extensive repairs to the chai and vineyard were undertaken and slowly, slowly he has established the domaine as a greatly respected producer in the area. He has been farming the land organically since 2010 but does not seek certification and the bureaucratic hoop jumping that that entails.

Offered: February 2025.

Alcohol: 14.5%.

Drinking window: 2025 - 2030.

Food matching: Roast red meats. Mushroom risotto. Hard sheep's cheeses.