Chateau La Graula (even difficult to pronounce in French) is a beautiful example of Bordeaux Superieur made from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It has lovely deep aromas of black fruit and vanilla which quickly give way to damson, mocha, subtle plum and coffee notes. Fabulously rich in style but conveniently cheap on the pocket. Chateau La Graula has become a firm favourite at de Burgh wines and is now pretty much part of the furniture.

Chateau La Graula is a lovely property located in Landerrouat in eastern Bordeaux on the border with Bergerac. It has been in the Bessette family since 1971 and is run by Jean-Paul, Alice and their son Mathieu. The soils are a mixture of chalk and clay here which give the grapes balance and finesse. They use a unique size of barrel, 400 litres, which adds lovely oak flavours without overpowering the wine. Although the focus is on Merlot, they have always used a high percentage of Cabernet Franc (25%) in the blend which adds a graphite note and lovely freshness.