With a cult following thanks to English winemaker Jonathan Maltus, one of the original garagistas. Modern St Emilion with good fruit, toasty oak, and touches of chocolate and coffee. 70% Merlot, with the Franc adding some spice.

70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc

Chateau Teyssier is a much pampered estate, as you'd expect of a Grand Cru. It dates back to 1714 and in the 19th century was the largest producer of the Right Bank. In 1991 current owner, Jonathon Maltus, sold his engineering firm and, in 1994, purchased Teyssier. Since then he has poured love and money into its restoration, sparing neither on renovating the vineyards, cellars, chai and château. He has increased the vineyards tenfold, from 5.5 to over 50 hectares and immediately brought in a top consultant to oversee winemaking – Gilles Pauquet of Cheval Blanc. No wonder, then, the proportion of Cabernet Franc has been increased. Ageing for a year in part new oak lends a luxurious finish to this fine claret. Ideal with classic meat dishes.