2020 Hubert de Bouard, Song by Bong, Bordeaux 6x75cl

vinum 89-91

Quite a dramatic, deep, purple colour. Remembering back to last year, the aromas seem to tend towards blacker, fleshier fruits – plums and blackberries – with hints of pepper and a touch of barrel. This retains the freshness of just-sliced fruit but appears a bit more sophisticated and serious than the 2019. On the attack, the palate has a similarly dark-toned quality to the nose in terms of both the fruit and the texture, which communicates rich and velvety Merlot. Whilst towards the full-bodied end of the spectrum, the acidity is vibrant and lifted, which nods towards the 2019 stylistically. Perhaps the power of the wine reflects the warm, dry season but everything is controlled and in proportion, creating a 2020 that will benefit from a year or two in bottle and likely become a more serious and food-oriented wine than its elder sibling. [Matthew Hemming, 01/08/2020]