"Essential festive wine rack fodder, a jolly, easy-drinking merlot from an old 200-acre Midi estate geared to corbières production, but with 50 acres of merlot as well. Oozing fat, ripe, squishy prune, raisin and chocolate flavours with a fine herby finish, this red has the guts to tackle strong, spicy meats and the cold Boxing Day spread."