Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. Set in the heart of the prized Pauillac appellation on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, Chateau Pedesclaux punches high above its Fifth Growth status with this delicious and accessible second wine. Pedesclaux takes its name from founder Urbain Pierre Pedesclaux who established the estate here in 1810 not far from famous names like Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild and Pontet-Canet. Today it is run by the Lorenzetti family who have transformed the estate with cutting-edge winemaking technology, detailed studies of the soils, and a firm commitment to sustainability. In total they have 36 hectares under vine on gravelly clay soils with some limestone. Unusually for Pauillac, the Fleur de Pedesclaux is predominantly made from Merlot along with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot depending on the vintage. Hand harvesting ensures the grapes arrive at the winery in optimum condition and they are then carefully sorted. Following vinification the young wine is transferred to French oak barrels for 16 months to soften Pauillac’s notoriously firm tannins. Packed with velvety rich dark berry flavours, a powerful full body, and a well-built structure, this is an excellent value Pauillac that’s ideal to enjoy now with hearty red meat dishes or keep for a few more years in the cellar.