Clos Lunelles Cotes de Castillon 2003
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Parker
Robert
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This 21+ acre vineyard planted on a clay and limestone plateau consists of 38-year-old Merlot (80%), Cabernet Franc (10%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%). It was acquired by Gerard and Chantal Perse in 2001, and in less than two years has become the reference point winery for the Cotes de Castillon ... not surprising in view of the commitment to excellence exhibited by the Perses. Made from tiny yields of less than 20 hectoliters per hectare, the blockbuster 2003 tips the scales at 13.5% alcohol. It reveals a peppery, spicy, incense-laced bouquet interwoven with black cherry jam, blackberry, and cassis-like aromas. Full-bodied, opulent, long, rich, and persistent, it is the finest wine I have ever tasted from the Cotes de Castillon. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years.
Other Vintages
2007-
Parker
Robert
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Parker
Robert -
Spectator
Wine
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Parker
Robert
Purchased in 2001 by Gérard Perse - Château Pavie, Pavie-Decesse, Monbousquet, Bellevue-Mondotte - Clos Lunelles shines with its vision of excellence, anchored to a first-class terroir composed of clay and limestone, in the natural extension of the Saint-Emilion limestone plateau. With state-of-the-art viticulture and ambitious technical means, the wines are a perfect example of concentrated yet elegant Bordeaux.
The Clos Lunelles vineyard covers 8.5 hectares of vines, composed of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. As at Gérard Perse’s other properties, everything has been done in the vineyard to obtain low yields and perfect maturity. Traditional and precise vinification and long maturation followed by 18 months in French oak barrels (50% new) without fining or filtering gives a complex bouquet of black fruits and a rich, deep and substantial structure.
Tended by Robert Parker himself, Clos Lunelles expresses without reserve the style of a straightforward wine, built for immediate pleasure.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Though the region is larger than many of its Right Bank neighbors, it is one that consistently produces high quality, well-valued red wines. In fact, Cotes de Castillon can almost be considered a geographical eastern extension of St. Emilion, producing similarly-fashioned reds based on Merlot.
Vineyards in the region’s clay, limestone and sandstone soils produce sturdy red wines. On alluvial terraces, in vineyards closer to the Dordogne River, wines tend to be more supple and fruity. In either case, a great Cotes de Castillon red will be bursting with raspberry, plum and blueberry, have an enticing bouquet of dried flowers and a finish that is plush and opulent.