Chateau le Maine Martin is part of the Chateau Cailley estate, run by father and son team, Yves and Alain Cailley and based at Saint Sulpice et Cameyrac to the northeast of Bordeaux. The business has been in the Cailley family since 1812 and comprises of 50 hectares in total, of which Chateau le Maine Martin takes up 7 hectares. This supple red is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc and is aged for only 8 months in stainless steel tanks. It is unoaked. Drink now or keep for a further 3-5 years.

A clear garnet-red in colour. On the nose aromas of black fruits, raspberries and roasted herbs. Bright and fresh on the palate with earthy, mineral notes leading to a lingering finish suggesting further cassis and summer red-fruit flavours. The perfect 'luncheon' claret. Try with thyme-roasted rib of beef with a red wine gravy, roast shoulder of lamb with a cherry pilaf or aubergine and black bean stir-fry.