Lots of rich ripe plum and blackberry fruit on the nose with spice and black pepper. The palate is very similar to the nose, with the addition of a hint of liquorice. A rich and satisfying palate with excellent depth and fruit. This one punches way above its weight. Balanced tannins make this an ideal accompaniment to food.

Made by the Duboscq family who own Château Haut-Marbuzet. Some of the declassified grapes destined for their Cru Bourgeois make it into the Duboscq Claret, increasing its depth and complexity. Medium length maceration on the skins gives balanced colour and tannin.

In 1952, Hervé Duboscq, whose family was from Gascony, had the foresight to take on 7 hectares of land in St. Estèphe in the north of the Médoc from the McCarthy family, one of the famous Irish 'Wild Geese' families who had settled in Bordeaux in the 17th century. Though close to Cos d'Estournel, the value of this unique terroir was far less recognised and after the war Hervé set about buying all of the other McCarthy plots, gradually building up an estate of 76 hectares. This passed to his son Henri, who established the wines' pedigree, and today the operation is run with verve and commitment by his sons Hugues and Bruno. From the outset the Duboscqs developed their own style, favouring greater approachability when compared with the more muscular wines of other St. Estèphe estates.

Roast beef and lamb, also steaks and char-grilled meats.