In the glass, Château Bardins is simultaneously supple and tense, its velvety Merlot robe pulled snugly over a chiseled physique. Tannins are firm but not mean, suggesting lovely development with time in bottle as great classically minded Bordeaux must. And, in the manner we so prize in Bordeaux, the wine ultimately feels devoid of artifice, charming the drinker via its refusal to blatantly flatter. Longtime fans of RWM’s special cadre of Left Bank growers will feel right at home with Stella Puel and Château Bardins.