Cru Monplaisir Bordeaux Superieur 2016
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This wine offers classic Bordeaux aromatics of plums, figs, graphite, black currant and a touch of oak. Cabernet adds structure and firmness to otherwise silky tannins, finishes moderately long and leafy fresh.
In many ways, Julie and Xavier Gonet-Médeville are the first couple of French wines. Both hail from storied winemaking families: Julie’s family is famous for its incomparable Chateau Gilette, and Xavier comes from a long line of Champagne growers in Le Mesnil. Leading a new generation of winemakers, they bring their family knowledge, methods, and passion to the many wines they now make together. In 2009, Julie and Xavier purchased Monplaisir, which consists of two parcels: one planted on silt below Château d’Issan, the other planted on gravel and clay below Château Margaux. A Merlot-driven blend with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles, this pleasing cuvée is aged primarily in tank, with only 10% aging in cask. Monplaisir is a Bordeaux Superieur adjacent to the appellation of Margaux. This proximity to the prestigious appellation makes this wine an excellent value for the money — a rare find in Bordeaux.
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.