I couldn’t resist trying this new Bordeaux from the Coop. Made from 100% Merlot, the Bel Air Parcellaire Merlot 2023, from Maison Sichel, is made from their select vineyard plots renowned for producing high-quality wines with a distinctive terroir expression, particularly benefiting from clay soils typical of Bordeaux’s right bank.
On the nose, it offers abundant raspberry aromas, leading to a soft, rich palate filled with very ripe cherry and rosehip notes. The mouthfeel is medium yet very round, thanks to the 14.5% alcohol content and the tannins remain light to medium and approachable. With no oak ageing, the wine’s pure fruit shines, finishing with a lingering blackcurrant note.
I tasted this over a few days, one of those days going to a large tasting with lots of Bordeaux wines, and when I came back to this that same day, it seemed very flavoursome by comparison.
This Bordeaux is easy-drinking, moreish and perfect for enjoying now rather than ageing. This new Merlot from the Coop is a gem worth exploring, currently available for £9.85.
