2017 Madiran Château Bouscassé

Château Bouscassé’s 2017 Madiran is a testament to the storied winemaking tradition of Gascony. Sourced predominantly from old-vine Tannat, with complementary Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this cuvée is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, lending a complex interplay of dark fruit, spicy oak and silky tannins. On the nose, you’ll discover intense aromas of blackberry compote, black cherry and violet, layered with notes of clove, toasted cedar and graphite. The palate unfolds with concentrated flavors of blackcurrant, plum and licorice, framed by firm but approachable tannins and a vibrant acidity that ensures both balance and longevity. Food pairing possibilities are endless: serve alongside roasted leg of lamb, game stew or mature sheep’s cheese for a classic regional match. With proper cellaring, this 2017 vintage will continue to evolve for another 8–10 years, developing tertiary notes of leather, forest floor and dried fruit. It’s a wine that combines rustic power with refined sophistication, perfect for enthusiasts of age-worthy French reds.