Nose
This brilliantly youthful wine evokes aromas of blackberry, cassis, and stewed red cherries, draped
in milk chocolate, toast and vanilla bean layers.
Palate
On the palate, it enters subtly with flavors of roasted espresso bean and
milk chocolate, then explodes with bright fruit notes of black plum, red raspberry and cherry, finishing smoothly with
well-structured tannins and a hint of spice.
Growing Conditions
The 2008 vintage was extremely variable, opening with an intense frost that resulted in limited fruit set,
then proceeding to be one of the driest seasons on record which reduced berry weight further. A long, cool summer
allowed flavors to develop fully before a heat wave encouraged prompt picking.
Harvest
Harvest commenced mid-September with
the grapes gently hand-harvested into small boxes, then quickly destemmed into tank.
Bottling
Bottling in May of 2010.
Winemaking
After fermentation, the wine
underwent 18 days of extended maceration.
Aging
Aged in 70% French and 30% American oak barrels, 50% new, for
17 months.
Appearance
Deep garnet in color.
Food Pairing
Bright and fruit forward, this is an excellent food wine, and would prove a beautiful foil to a variety of dishes. Try this
bottling alongside a hearty dish, such as grilled sirloin with thyme butter and roasted Brussels sprouts, or if you prefer, a
rich and nutty cheese, like Abbaye de Belloc. The wine’s weighty palate will nicely balance these substantial pairings.