France — wine

Madiran AOC

The most powerful red wine of Southwest France, from the Vic-Bilh hills near Tarbes in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Almost exclusively Tannat grape — one of the world's most tannic varieties — sometimes softened with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Producers like Brumont and Laplace have demonstrated that Tannat produces extraordinary wines when tamed by extended ageing and micro-oxygenation. Recent scientific interest in Tannat's resveratrol content (highest of any grape) has generated new attention.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Madiran 2022: Vic-Bilh clay hills; powerful Tannat of extraordinary structure and ageing potential
2021 Madiran 2021: Vic-Bilh clay hills; powerful Tannat of extraordinary structure and ageing potential
2020 Madiran 2020: Vic-Bilh clay hills; powerful Tannat of extraordinary structure and ageing potential
2019 Madiran 2019: Vic-Bilh clay hills; powerful Tannat of extraordinary structure and ageing potential
2018 Madiran 2018: Vic-Bilh clay hills; powerful Tannat of extraordinary structure and ageing potential