Badine de La Patache Pomerol 2016

This wine breaks the Bordeaux mould by being medium-bodied rather than the region's typically fuller style, with silky tannins that don't require extensive cellaring. The 90/10 merlot-cabernet franc blend creates a more approachable profile compared to Left Bank Bordeaux, which often emphasise cabernet sauvignon and demand years of patience before drinking.

The name references the horse whips (badines) used by 19th-century stagecoach drivers who passed through this very site in Pomerol. This historical connection reflects the property's role as a former passageway, linking the wine's identity to the region's transport heritage and adding romantic storytelling to each bottle.

The 90% merlot creates the wine's signature silky texture and approachable tannins, while the 10% cabernet franc adds structural backbone and savoury complexity. This blend is classic for Pomerol's clay-rich soils, which favour merlot's plush fruit character over the more austere cabernet sauvignon blends found elsewhere in Bordeaux.

The wine's savoury profile and medium body make it versatile with roasted meats, particularly duck or lamb with herbs, where the cedar and allspice notes complement the cooking methods. The silky tannins won't overpower dishes like mushroom risotto or aged cheeses, while the plum fruit provides enough richness for heartier fare.

Unlike many Bordeaux wines that demand years of cellaring, this wine's silky tannin structure means it's approachable immediately while still having the backbone to age gracefully. The 12 months of oak aging has already integrated beautifully, so you can enjoy it now for its fresh fruit character or cellar it for 5-8 years to develop more tertiary complexity.