Domaines Barons de Rothschild Reserve Speciale Bordeaux Rouge 2005
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Inspired by a grand tradition of quality, the Domaines teams have one priority: selection. Their mastery and perfect knowledge of Bordelais cepages are responsible for the unparalleled quality of their wines. The cepages used in Reserve Spéciale Rouge are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. In 2005, there was very low rainfall (500 mm instead of the usual 850 mm). Despite the rain and storms in August, the overall conditions were very good: cool night temperatures and sunny periods during the day helped the grapes reach perfect maturity. The climate was really ideal. The grapes were picked between the 18th and 25th of September for the Merlots and from the 30th of September to the 6th of October for the Cabernet Sauvignon. The selected plots were vinified separately in stainless steel vats, after being de-stemmed and crushed. This was followed by alcoholic fermentation under temperature control and maceration over 2 to 3 weeks. Ageing took places in vats. Fining with egg whites and cold stabilization were operated before bottling the wine. Continual controls (sensory, microbiological and chemical) were carried out throughout the wine making stages.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
The color is crimson with good intensity. The nose elegant and complex, notes of black berries & pepper. The palate is concentrated and balanced with ripe, ample and blended tannins. A long aromatic & spicy finish.
Legende offers consumers a journey through the different terroirs and tastes of the heralded Bordeaux region through the eyes of one of the region’s most prestigious producers, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). “It all started in the nineties. They wanted to offer their consumers a discovery of the different terroirs and tastes of Bordeaux. A name had to be found. A name that could live up to the expectations. A hint to the Rothschild family and the rich history of Chateau Lafite. A legende was born.” Crafted by long-time Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) winemaker, Diane Flamand, Legende wines demonstrate a remarkable balance between tradition and modernity. With a product range that includes each of the five major appellations in Bordeaux: Bordeaux Rouge, Bordeaux Blanc, Medoc, Saint-Emilion and Pauillac, Legende wines have an approachable style, inspired by every day drinkability and enjoyment.
In most of France, wines are named by their place of origin and not by the type of grape (with the exception of Alsace). Just like a red Burgundy is by law, always made of Pinot noir, a red Bordeaux is a blended wine composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Depending on the laws of the village from which the grapes come, the conditions of the vintage and decisions of the winemaker, the blend can be further supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and in rare cases, Carmenere. So popular and repeated has this mix of grape varieties become worldwide, that the term, Bordeaux Blend, refers to a wine blended in this style, regardless of origin.