Winemaker Notes
Luminous, almost violet garnet. Limpid and brilliant. On the nose, aromas of red fruit, strawberry and cherry. After swirling, the wine opens with aromas of pink berries, black cherry and floral notes. On the palate, the attack is frank and lively. The tannins are enveloping and almost chalky. Cherry aromas are confirmed, encapsulated by minty notes. The finish is persistent and aromatic, with a red berry theme.
<p>Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of blackberries, herbs and fresh tobacco. The medium- to full-bodied palate shows an even thread of dark fruit and fine-grained tannins that bring precision and definition to the finish. A subtle savory note adds dimension and charm. Approachable now with aeration or food, but will improve over the next couple of years. Drink or hold.
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.
While it claims the same basic landscape as the Medoc—only every so slightly elevated above river level—the Haut Medoc is home to all of the magnificent chateaux of the Left Bank of Bordeaux, creating no lack of beautiful sites to see.
These chateaux, residing over the classed-growth cru in the villages of Margaux, Moulis, Listrac, St-Julien, Pauillac and St. Estephe are within the Haut Medoc appellation. Though within the confines of these villages, any classed-growth chateaux will most certainly claim village or cru status on their wine labels.
Interestingly, some classed-growth cru of the Haut Medoc fall outside of these more famous villages and can certainly be a source of some of the best values in Bordeaux. Deep in color, and concentrated in ripe fruit and tannins, these wines (typically Cabernet Sauvignon-based) often prove the same aging potential of the village classed-growths. Among these, the highest ranked chateaux are Chateau La Lagune and Chateau Cantemerle.