Elian Da Ros

After training at Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Alsace and the Languedoc’s Granges des Pères, Elian Da Ros returned to southwest France in 1998, acquiring vines on some of Côtes-du-Marmandais’ best hillsides and building his own cellar by hand.

Now, he and his wife Sandrine tend 19ha of organically farmed Bordeaux varieties alongside the local red grape, Abouriou.

Elian’s winemaking varies depending on each cuvée – some are made with light infusions for freshness, while others use extraction to craft long-lived, powerful wines. Ageing takes place in a variety of different vessels, including oak barrels, concrete eggs, and clay jars, before the wines are bottled without fining or filtration.

A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon alongside whole-cluster Malbec and Syrah, ‘Chante Coucou’ is aged for 20 months in used barrels. The result is aromatic and plush, its juicy cassis fruit streaked with tobacco and fresh herbs.

The domaine’s flagship, ‘Clos Baquey’ – a south-facing, single plot of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Abouriou – is aged in oak and concrete for 36 months and in bottle for a further year. With layers of dark fruit and fine, structured tannins, it offers serious ageing potential.

Appealing to fans of old-fashioned Claret, these ready-to-drink vintages – lying in-bond since they were shipped from Elian’s cellar – outclass many more expensive bottles from the Médoc.

‘Chante Coucou’ 2016 (£30) Sold out
Opulent and juicy – cassis, smoky minerals, herbal tea. Drink to 2030

‘Clos Baquey’ 2015 (£44) Sold out
Vibrant with dark, spicy fruit and gravelly tannins. Drink to 2035+

‘Clos Baquey’ 2012 (£46) Sold out
Fresh berries and herbs – complex and sleek. Drink to 2032+
17 Points, Jancis Robinson

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