The Cotes de Franc appellation, near St. Emilion, is tiny by Bordeaux standards. It was relatively un-known apart from Bordeaux "insiders" until the 70's and in the mid 80's it drew in-depth attention of the owners of Château Cheval Blanc and Château l'Angélus, who purchased the 40ha of Chateau de Francs.

Made with 70% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon, this wine, which is quite rich, generous and balanced, stood out in a large line up of "blind" Bordeaux recently. It is made with a traditional vinification process and aged in oak (20% new) for 12 months. How this is all done for the price is amazing!

It is fresh, youthful and lively with plummy / cassis and graphite / gravel nuances melding with subtle violet and spice aromatics. The palate is quite generous and supple, but there is very "Bordeaux" tannin structure. The Randall's Team

This is nice solid red showing dark cherry fruit, dusty tannins and the iodine / ferric nuances giving a solidity to the ripe fruit. RANDALL POLLARD

Round, supple and aromatic for early drinking. Deep colour. Violet notes on the nose. Palate plump and sweet fruited but falls away on the finish. Drink 2010-2014. DECANTER