Chateau Thivin Cote de Brouilly Cuvée Zaccharie – 2016

This is Chateau Thivin’s top cuvee and comes from a mix of vines between 40 and 100 years old grown on the volcanic soils of the Cote de Brouilly. It was matured for 12 months in used French barriques and is surprisingly rich, full bodied and structured for a Gamay, yet has typical fresh, fine acidity. It is built to last for 10 years +

“Mid crimson and hint of purple. Oak is more obvious in spicy sweetness but still that floral perfume. More blueberry sweetness. Smooth but quite compact on the palate and the freshness is all on the long finish. My personal preference is for the Griottes de Brulhié but this is beautifully balanced and immensely long. Some spice on the finish. Tangy and spiced but still pretty at the core.” 17.5+/20 Julia Harding MW/Jancis Robinson MW