Chateau de Joualles comes from on a small estate just south east of the St Emilion region. It's made from 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on chalky clay / limestone soils. 2016 was an excellent year, and this wine shows it. It has a spicy, slightly spirity nose with good fruit,  which leads to a robust, warm, balanced palate, with some oak and good structure. While it’s drinking well now, it will age gracefully for some years yet.