Château Lamothe Cissac Cru Bourgeois 2014 Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 75cl

Château Lamothe Cissac sits in the commune of Cissac in the Haut-Médoc, a heartland of dependable Left Bank Bordeaux. Its Cru Bourgeois status marks it out as a solid, well-regarded property working just below the level of the classed growths, offering the region’s character at a fair price.

This is a Haut-Médoc red blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot in support, the pairing that gives Left Bank claret its backbone and its blackcurrant core. The style here is traditional and food-friendly rather than flashy, made in the honest, dinner-table spirit of the appellation.

From the 2014 vintage, the wine offers the medium-bodied, structured profile typical of the Haut-Médoc, with enough tannic grip and freshness to sit well alongside a meal. A few years in bottle have softened its edges without losing the classic Bordeaux shape.

Expect aromas of cassis and cedar with a touch of pencil shaving and earth. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine, structured tannins framing the fruit and a savoury, classic finish. A short decant of half an hour helps it open and show its best.

If you enjoy traditional claret and the reassuring familiarity of Left Bank Bordeaux, this Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc is a reliable choice for the everyday cellar. It is made for the table, so pour it with roast beef, grilled steak, lamb or a Sunday roast. Neither too light nor too heavy, it is the kind of honest claret that suits a midweek dinner as readily as a weekend meal with family.