Chateau Cartier, Saint-Emilion, 2022

Here's a small-print pedigree worth knowing: Chateau Cartier is the second wine of Chateau Fonroque, the certified biodynamic Grand Cru Classe in Saint-Emilion owned by the Moueix family since 1931 and made by Alain Moueix. The vines sit on classic clay-limestone hillside soils just northwest of the village, farmed organically since 2006 and biodynamically since 2008. The 2022 is a Merlot-driven blend, mostly Merlot with some Cabernet Franc, hand-harvested and naturally fermented. It's fleshy and perfumed, with minty berries, licorice, and spice, smooth fine tannins, and a lively limestone freshness that keeps everything in balance. A lot of right-bank quality for the money.