Château George 7 Merlot, Fronsac, Bordeaux
Living the dream
Tastes like: Blackberry. Raspberry. Damsen Berry. Mineral. Cedar. Pepper. Fine tannins.
Wine-loving British businesswoman Sally Evans had a dream of escaping the rat race and getting her boots dirty in her own vineyard (something we can certainly relate to!)
She bravely took the plunge and it was picturesque Fronsac on Bordeaux’s right bank that stole Sally’s heart and she promptly set out to turn a dilapidated farmhouse and its rather unloved Merlot vines into one of the most hotly tipped estates in the region.
Sustainability is a key philosophy here. Her first decision was to ditch the oft-routine spraying and chemical treatments that this vineyard previously endured and it is now a beacon of biodiversity and natural viticulture.
Located a stone's throw from some of the right bank's most prestigious estates, the commune of Fronsac represents phenomenal quality and value for money with ripe Merlot thriving in the rich clay and limestone soil.
Château George 7 is Sally's 'Grand Vin' and we immediately fell head over heels for the wine (and Sally's electric personality) when we tried her inaugural 2018 vintage. We snapped up these bottles of the 2020 vintage en primeur (pre-release) to ensure you can uncork them at the best possible price.
The wine is just entering its drinking window and will benefit from a double decant or a few hours' breathing.
Drink now - 2035
France - 2020 - 13.5% - 75cl
Sustainable - Vegan - Vegetarian
Critical acclaim:
92 pts - Jane Anson
“A delicious wine in the 2020 vintage, juicy and ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit, immediately appealing with an edge of smoke and a kick of freshness, great Fronsac typicality. Owner Sally Evans is turning this 3ha estate into a name to follow after just a few vintages.”