2017 Milan 'Le Jardin'

Place: Provence, France

Variety: Merlot

Farming: Organic

Domaine Milan is one of the pioneering natural estates of Provence, based beneath the Alpilles near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Henri Milan has spent decades farming organically and working with minimal intervention, producing distinctive wines that combine the warmth of southern France with freshness, elegance and a strong sense of place.

The 2017 Le Jardin is 100% Merlot from a tiny parcel planted over clay-limestone and blue marl. Blackberry, black cherry and plum are layered with truffle, dried herbs, tobacco and gentle earthy spice. There’s impressive depth and concentration, but fine, silky tannins and underlying freshness keep the palate beautifully composed. Now showing lovely maturity and savoury complexity, it’s a distinctive Provençal expression of Merlot with plenty of elegance.