Château la Passonne, CADILLAC Situated in the commune of Cadillac, on the opposite bank of the Garonne to the Graves and Sauternes, this Premières Côtes de Bordeaux has been something of a find. Made by Michel Bonot and Louis-Michel Muyst of Château Carbon d'Artigues, in the Graves, this is an absolutely outstanding 'house claret' with plenty of easy, succulent fruit, a good structure provided by very soft, ripe tannins and a long finish. It shows you that even cheaper red Bordeaux can provide some terrific drinking if carefully made by passionate artisan-craftsmen. (M=60%/ CS=35%/ CF=5%)
Château les Joualles, RUCH The Freylon family were, until early on in 2004 when they sold it to an American consortium, the owners of the first-class St, Emilion Grand Cru property, Château Lassègue. They have kept their other family vineyard, Château les Joualles in the Bordeaux Supérieur zone and this 28ha. estate, situated in the commune of Ruch, is widely regarded to be in the top league. The excellent 2000 is deep-coloured, ripe and fruit driven wines with excellent structure. (M=60%/CS=20%/CF=20%)
Château Le Breuil, BAYON-SUR-GIRONDE Standing about 200 metres from the Gironde, this 18 hectare estate makes one of the very best Côtes de Bourgs. Château le Breuil has been owned by the Doyen family since the beginning of this century, and under the current management of Henri Doyen, has been making wines with considerable fruit extraction and suppleness. Yields from the 20 year old vines are kept low (around 55-60 hl/ha) resulting in unusual concentration for this up and coming appellation.
Château les Donats, TEUILLAC This Petit Clos de Chene, or Enclave, of 3.5 hectares, lies in a South- Westerly exposure in the Cotes de Blaye. The vineyard lies on gravelly soil. The grapes are harvested, then enter temperature controlled fermentation vats. Maturation for 12 months takes place before bottling. Early ripening of the grapes produces a charming quaffable wine to be drunk young with an ageing possibility of 6-8 years.
Château Saint Jacques, LABARDE Made from Bordeaux Supérieur vines bordering the Margaux vineyards of Château Siran. The Miailhe family endeauvours to produce a wine as stylistically close to Margaux as possible. The wines undergo a traditiional vinification and are then aged in barrels for a minimum of 6 months.Cabernet-Sauvignon 70% with 30% Merlot.
Château La Fleur Haut Brisson, SAINTE COLOMBE Pierre Choukroun, a true entrepreneur, was born in Saint Emilion. Having spent many years travelling the world he decided to return to his roots in wine. After studying viticulture at the Montagne Lycée of viticulture followed by experince at various châteaux in Bordeaux he began searching, towards the end of 1999, for a parcel of 'terroir' in which he would be able to realise his dream of producing fine wine from Merlot. The miracle happened! One morning whilst crossing the plateau of St. Philippe d'Aiguille (near Saint Emilion) he came upon La Fleur Haut Brisson. For Pierre, it was dream come true! The limestone and clay soil was exceptional. Furthermore this plateau was perfect for the quality of the grapes being constantly fanned by a light wind. Harvesting is done entirely by hand and the wines are aged in oak barrel.
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