Winemaker Notes
Clos de l’Esperance has a rich and round bouquet of ripe red and black fruit (cherry, blackcurrant), as well as a touch of vanilla. The tannins are quite smooth. The freshness and spiciness of the nose come through in the palate. The wine is altogether beautifully balanced and elegant. Ideal with duck or lamb.
Blend: 100% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is dark-fruited with nut shell and cedar notes. Medium-bodied. Juicy but firm with some chewiness at the end. Range: 91-92
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.