Pierre Graffeuille Odyssee 2019 (750ML)

94 JS / 94 WI / 93 DE / 93 JA

Such a fetching nose full of spices, showing lots of cumin, tangy peppercorn to the fresh blackberries and blueberries. Medium-bodied palate with a tangy profile of spice and blue fruit. Tannins are creamy and small-grained, giving a nice, seamless grip to the finale. Cabernet sauvignon, grenache and mourvedre. Irresistible now, but can hold, too. - James Suckling

The 2019 Odyssee is an eclectic blend of Bordeaux and Rhone vineyards, made by Pierre Graffeuille (now at Montrose) and Matthieu Dumarcher, composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Medoc, and 25% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre from the Rhone. Medium garnet-purple in color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notes of black raspberries, mulberries, and juicy plums, followed by an undercurrent of crushed blackcurrants, Indian spices, and charcoal with a waft of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with spicy black fruit flavors, supported by velvety tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a skip in its step - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

Milk chocolate cherry notes on the nose, ripe and welcoming. Supple, ample and fresh, this has nice definition on the palate with a bitter orange, dark chocolate and savoury garrigue herbal aspect coming through. It's still quite angular with edges of sweet spice, liquorice and toasted wood coming through but I like the confidence. It's full and bold, powerful but delivered with a controlled touch. The alcohol and wood stand out a touch and just mark the finish though there is nice tension and precision throughout. Made from 55% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Médoc (harvest from 25/9 to 8/10), 25% Grenache from the Southern Rhône (harvest from 17/9 to 19/9) and 20% Mourvèdre from the Southern Rhône (harvest from 19/9 to 21/9).

Now in its 5th vintage, since the inaugural 2015, this Rhone-Bordeaux blend (bottled as Vin de France) from Mathieu Dumarcher and Pierre Graffeuille is one to look out for. Savoury garrigue, redcurrant and blackberry character, touch of heat on the finish but balanced out by spice and tar. Thoroughly enjoyable, with Cabernet Sauvignon from the gravel soils of the Médoc, blended with Grenache and Syrah from pebbles and clay-limestone soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux