Château Cissac Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois (magnum) 2016

For five generations now, the Vialard family have owned this fine Haut Médoc estate. It lies in Cissac village, well positioned between Saint Estèphe and Pauillac. Louis Vialard inherited the property in 1940 and made great strides through the '70s and '80s in getting the estate and its wine's quality recognised. His daughter, Danielle, is now in charge, assisted by her daughter Marie. Its extensive 65 hectares of vines are, unsurprisingly for this side of the river, predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), with Merlot and Petit Verdot, while ageing in 40% new oak barriques (225-litre) is a clear indication of a serious claret. For full enjoyment, open at least an hour beforehand and decant, so its flavours can open out.