Dark chocolate, bark, dried flowers, cherries, walnuts, crushed stones and orange zest on the nose. Graphite, too. Textured, mineral and expansive with a full body and firm, chalky tannins. Broad yet focused. I like the cool freshness at the end. Best yet? From organically grown grapes.

The 2020 Couvent des Jacobins bursts with aromas of minty blackberries, plums, incense and rose petals, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming palate that's framed by powdery tannins. A gourmand, seamless wine, this will offer a broad drinking window. It's a blend of Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.

The 2020 Couvent des Jacobins has a very Left Bank-oriented bouquet, perhaps due to some Cabernet Franc in the mix. Fresh and detailed, there is a subtle marine influence that comes through. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced and quite old school in style, with fine tannins and notes of cedar and dried blood (andouillette?) toward the finish. This should mature very well in bottle.