Tasting Notes
I also have one bottle left of the lovely 1999 vintage - email me if you would like to add that to your order
The Château dates from 1648 and has been in the hands of the Nony family since the 19th century; it is right on the border of St Julien, the sub-region of Bordeaux that is home to eleven classed growth châteaux and known for its elegant and age-worthy wines. This wine, produced from roughly 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot (sometimes a touch of Petit Verdot is added), is classic Left Bank Bordeaux, i.e. Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant so with black fruits - blackcurrant and blackberries - on the nose with a hint of pencil shavings (St Julien wines are renowned for their pencil shavings/ cedar/ cigar-box aromas).
The black fruits continue through on the palate and there is some vanilla and spice from the oak ageing. Sufficient tannins remain to give the wine backbone and potential for further ageing but they are soft and balanced by the fruit and the relatively high acidity. And therefore this wine is drinling beautifully now.
It is a shame that these days most Bordeaux red wines are consumed well before they are ready; this is a chance to try a wine with a few years under its belt and showing the true colours of a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant Left Bank Bordeaux. Fabulous!
Suitable for vegetarians but not for vegans
Food Pairing
This is a great match for beef, lamb, goose and game; also a good match for mushrooms, hard cheeses and mild blue cheeses. The tannins have softened sufficiently for this to pair with roast turkey.
Awards
VertdeVin
"The nose is fruity, gourmand, well-balanced and offers precision. It reveals slight notes of crushed blackberry, crushed strawberry and slight notes of caramelized oak associated with discreet hints of liquorice and an imperceptible touch of Cuban pepper. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, suave, nicely-built and offers juiciness, gourmandise, a slight mineral frame, a good definition as well as a very slight unctuosity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of crushed cassis, fleshy blackberry and slight notes of fresh redcurrant combined with touches of raspberry as well as subtle / discreet touches of caramelized oak. Tannins are fine. Good length."
16+ points JancisRobinson.com
