L'Aurage, from Domaine de l'Aurage, is a Merlot based wine from the Côtes de Castillon, an undervalued region bordering St Emillion. The wine is a dense dark crimson colour with a nose that is both intriguing and inviting; sweet, ripe, rich and peppered, with hints of fennel. The palate echoes these aromatics, all set within a gorgeous, rounded texture with sweet, summer pudding notes and warm cherry compote. Beautifully-textured, this is opulent, sensual and silky.