Lacules Estate – The Chord 2019

The Chord is the second wine from Lacules Estate, made from the grape varieties of the two flagships – the single-varietal wines from Merlot and Syrah – though only 15% of the latter is present. Added to that are 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 60% Grenache. This is a terrific wine with lots of red fruit aromas and mellow tannins. It brings dried raspberries to mind. On the nose, however, the alcohol – which is actually only 13.5% – pushes a bit too much to the foreground. But especially as a food companion, the wine really plays to its strengths and the bottle empties very quickly. 91 points.