100% Merlot from specific, much older plots, average age 90 years. The top soil is protected from rain penetration by a specialised canvas. Alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation and ageing (18 months all take place in the same barrels. This is perhaps the essence of Dany and Michel’s inimitable style – dense, chewy tannins, and layer upon layer of sumptuous, plush fruit. Spellbinding wine. labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut

The 50 year old vineyards (85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon) are predominantly southfacing, at the Fronsac plateau’s highest elevation and planted on soils rich in sandstone, limestone and clay. The grapes are hand harvested at optimum ripeness and totally destemmed before being fermented in a mixture of temperature-controlled, French oak barriques and stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in oak (75% new) for 18 months. It is bottled unfiltered.

In 2016 the Rolland’s replanted one hectare of the vineyard with Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Muscadelle and Semillon in deference to Bordeaux’s traditions, plus a parcel of Chardonnay because, well, they love Chardonnay. The vines have hit their stride now and all feature in 2019 debut vintage of Le Blanc de Fontenil. Fermentation takes place either in concrete eggs or French oak depending on the variety. This is an enthralling white, incredibly aromatic and prodigiously long.