Bordeaux
Level 3 WSET wine study begins with Bordeaux, the week of December 3rd 2017.
The first step was to read information sent from Nicole Nowlin and prepare 3 questions for wine study on Tuesday evening in Three Lakes. I also created 2 Quizlet study sets.
Dennis Kohl from Trigs Cellar 70 helped me pick out 6 wines.
The first step was to read information sent from Nicole Nowlin and prepare 3 questions for wine study on Tuesday evening in Three Lakes. I also created 2 Quizlet study sets.
Dennis Kohl from Trigs Cellar 70 helped me pick out 6 wines.
- Chateau Grand Clapeau Oliver Cru
2012 Bourgeois Haute-Medoc
File: Bordeaux wine region.png - Wikemedia Co
Labeled for reuse with modification - Chateau Sainte Barbe 2011 Appelation Bordeaux Superieur Controllee
- Chateau La Graviere 2014 Appellation Bordeaux Controllee
- Chateau Ferrande 2010 Grand Vin De Bordeaux Graves Appellation Graves Controlee
- Chateau Ferrande Graves 2014 Grand Vin De Bordeaux
- Chateau La Graviere 2016 Entre-Deux-Mers Grand Vin De Bordeaux
My wine study group meets on Tuesdays combining wine and food. Our menu and tasting notes:
- Butternut Squash Casserole with Leeks, Proscuitto and Thyme
- Venison chops with a sage mushroom and onion side dish. Dianne's friend killed the deer just a few weeks ago. The chops were amazing and paired SO well with the Bordeaux.
- Arugula Salad with Lemon & Parmesan prepared by Jan. This was an excellent pairing with the white Bordeaux, especially the Chateau Ferrande Graves 2014 Grand Vin De Bordeaux
- Cheeses to consider: Manchego, Swiss, White Cheddar, Provolone, Pepper Jack. We sampled white cheddar and the red Bordeaux, excellent!
4 RED WINES
**** Chateau Grand Clapeau Oliver 2012 Cru Bourgeois Haute-Medoc
Appellation Haute-Medoc Controllee 13% abv $22.99. Varietal blend: 54% Cabernet Savignon, 43% Merlot 3% Petit Verdot Left Bank Terroir: greveleux
Wine making: Traditional vinification of the Médoc with thermoregulation. Stainless steel tanks and cement, maceration 2 to 3 weeks
My Tasting Notes
The AOC Entre-Deux-Mers extends over the entire wine-making region of Gironde between the Dordogne and the Garonne, hence its name. The soils are predominantly clay and limestone. In this fragmented vineyard region, there are many wine growers and low average areas of exploitation. Producers can pamper their vineyards. They often belong to cooperatives who take care of winemaking. Sauvignon is the king grape of the Entre-deux-Mers. It is often the subject of specific work during winemaking, skin maceration. This gives very fragrant wines, lively, but without excess of nervousness, well balanced and endowed with a beautiful aromatic power. Sauvignon is mainly associated with Sémillon, which gives roundness and power.
**** Chateau Grand Clapeau Oliver 2012 Cru Bourgeois Haute-Medoc Appellation Haute-Medoc Controllee 13% abv $22.99. Varietal blend: 54% Cabernet Savignon, 43% Merlot 3% Petit Verdot Left Bank Terroir: greveleux
Wine making: Traditional vinification of the Médoc with thermoregulation. Stainless steel tanks and cement, maceration 2 to 3 weeks
My Tasting Notes
Garnet in color with licorice, cinnamon and red cherry fruit on the nose. The palate is dry, medium acidity, tannin, body and finish. The flavor is of black cherries, cloves and chocolate. A beautiful well balanced wine and one of the favorites. Another great pairing would be with a roast dinner.
Information about the vineyard
Information about the vineyard
Chateau Grand Clapeau has been owned by the Baudinière family since 1923. It is located on the highest hill of the Blanquefort district, on gravel soils that are perfect for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon.
**** Chateau Ferrande Graves 2014 Grand Vin De Bordeaux
12.5% abv $28.99. Varietals: 50% Sauvignon Blanc 50% Semillion
Soil: Siliceous, clay & pebbles- A classic left bank blend, it’s hand crafted from 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. The dash of Petit Verdot adds both depth and a spicy herbaceousness that give a perfect balance of flavours
- Château Grand Clapeau is a cru bourgeois estate -a category for the finest estates not classified in 1855. At their best, cru bourgeois wines can be better than some of the much more famous and more expensive classed growths
- The Baudinière family use traditional Médoc techniques with subtle oak ageing adding spicy cedar and vanilla complexity
***** Chateau Sainte Barbe 2011 Appelation Bordeaux Superieur Controllee
14% abv $16.99 Varietals: 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc Right Bank
14% abv $16.99 Varietals: 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc Right Bank
My Tasting Notes I will start by saying this our favorite wine. I loved the aroma: cherry,
vanilla, nutmeg, licorice and juniper berry. On the palate it was dry, low acidity, medium
tannin, body and finish. The flavors were black cherry, juniper and chocolate.
tannin, body and finish. The flavors were black cherry, juniper and chocolate.
Information about the vineyard.
Information from Dennis Kohl: Fermented in concrete and stainless steel vats. Aged 9-12 months in oak barrels. From a family owned estate that was built by Jean
Baptiste Lynch (Ch. Lynch Bages) in the mid to late 18th century. It was Lynches first
vineyard and chateau.
Information from Dennis Kohl: Fermented in concrete and stainless steel vats. Aged 9-12 months in oak barrels. From a family owned estate that was built by Jean
Baptiste Lynch (Ch. Lynch Bages) in the mid to late 18th century. It was Lynches first
vineyard and chateau.
Chateau Sainte-Barbe It’s unique location on the peninsula between the Garonne and
Dordogne Rivers allowed it to avoid the phylloxera epidemic that wiped out most of the
Bordeaux vineyards in the late 1800’s. Today its 70+ acres of gravelly alluvial soil vineyards
on the right bank of the Garonne are about 50% replanted and consist of 80% of the Merlot
with the remaining 20% divided between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This 2011 is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. It was
recommended by World’s Best Sommelier Andres Larsson who described it as “Dense
ruby/purple core. Modern nose of ripe plum, dark berries and some new oak. The palate
has a fairly good density, fresh dark berries, plum, some roasted notes, spices and a rather
long finish. Well made with nice drink ability.” It was also a stand out among wine retailers
who gave it a whopping 95 points score in Beverage Dynamics Magazine and said “Robust and earthy with bold aromas and flavors of blackberry, currant and vanilla. On the finish,
firm tannins show with a good dose of terroir. Pair this with roast beef, lamb or a thick steak.” A super wine at an great price!
Dordogne Rivers allowed it to avoid the phylloxera epidemic that wiped out most of the
Bordeaux vineyards in the late 1800’s. Today its 70+ acres of gravelly alluvial soil vineyards
on the right bank of the Garonne are about 50% replanted and consist of 80% of the Merlot
with the remaining 20% divided between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This 2011 is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. It was
recommended by World’s Best Sommelier Andres Larsson who described it as “Dense
ruby/purple core. Modern nose of ripe plum, dark berries and some new oak. The palate
has a fairly good density, fresh dark berries, plum, some roasted notes, spices and a rather
long finish. Well made with nice drink ability.” It was also a stand out among wine retailers
who gave it a whopping 95 points score in Beverage Dynamics Magazine and said “Robust and earthy with bold aromas and flavors of blackberry, currant and vanilla. On the finish,
firm tannins show with a good dose of terroir. Pair this with roast beef, lamb or a thick steak.” A super wine at an great price!
Chateau La Graviere 2014 Appellation Bordeaux Controllee
12.5% abv $12.99. Varietals: 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc.
My Tasting Notes.
This was not a group favorite though I will say that I enjoyed it more the next day. For me it was barnyard meaty aroma that did me in. I also picked up sweet cherry, vanilla, a little leather and licorice. On the palate the wine was dry, with low acidity, medium tannin, body and finish. I didn't find very many flavor nuances. It tasted of black cherry and farmyard again. I have since learned that this due to a yeast know as "Brett" formally known as Brettanomyces
More information.
Vinification: stainless steel fermentation for 4 weeks. Tank aged until bottled. Grapes hand sorted in vineyard. Notes from Dennis Kohl: Chateau NardineLa Graviere, producer of Chateua La Graviere, is an 89 acre winery situated in Bordeaux at the heart of the Entre-deax-Mers region. The vineyard is located 25km from the center of Bordeaux and 30 km from Saint Emilion in the little village of Saint Gebes de Lombard. Chateau La Graviere is made up of exceptional terroir for vine growing and production of quality wines. In fact, the Entres-deux-Mers region is hilly and has many types of soil allowing to obtain aromatic wines. Family owned since 1928, the Therese family is passionate about their wine making and have been for three generations.
12.5% abv $12.99. Varietals: 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc.
My Tasting Notes.
This was not a group favorite though I will say that I enjoyed it more the next day. For me it was barnyard meaty aroma that did me in. I also picked up sweet cherry, vanilla, a little leather and licorice. On the palate the wine was dry, with low acidity, medium tannin, body and finish. I didn't find very many flavor nuances. It tasted of black cherry and farmyard again. I have since learned that this due to a yeast know as "Brett" formally known as Brettanomyces
More information.
Vinification: stainless steel fermentation for 4 weeks. Tank aged until bottled. Grapes hand sorted in vineyard. Notes from Dennis Kohl: Chateau NardineLa Graviere, producer of Chateua La Graviere, is an 89 acre winery situated in Bordeaux at the heart of the Entre-deax-Mers region. The vineyard is located 25km from the center of Bordeaux and 30 km from Saint Emilion in the little village of Saint Gebes de Lombard. Chateau La Graviere is made up of exceptional terroir for vine growing and production of quality wines. In fact, the Entres-deux-Mers region is hilly and has many types of soil allowing to obtain aromatic wines. Family owned since 1928, the Therese family is passionate about their wine making and have been for three generations.
*** Chateau Ferrande 2010 Grand Vin De Bordeaux
Graves Appellation Graves Controlee 13.5% abv $28.99. Varietals: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. The wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels (50% new wood)My Tasting Notes.
The aromas were very nuanced. I found dark cherry and my friends found blackberry. There was also juniper berry and vanilla along with chocolate. In addition, a slight barn yard smell. One review I read used the word empyrheumatic. The Meriam Webster definition is being or having an odor of burnt organic matter as a result of decomposition at high temperatures creosote and other empyreumatic oils.Garnet in color. On the palate: dry, high acid, medium tannin, medium body and medium finish. The flavor was of ripe blueberry, licorice, chocolate and white pepper. I liked this wine though it was the least favorite of the group. It tasted better the next day. Excellent pairing with the white cheddar cheese.
More information about the vineyard.
The vineyard of Château Ferrande, which gives birth to this cuvee of Graves, covers 89 hectares and benefits from the terroir so particular of the appellation whose soils consist mainly of sands and gravels rich in large surface pebbles, the latter ensuring good drainage Soils and, once the sun is down, a generous restitution of the heat of the day.In the heart of the Graves The identity of a great wine is a marriage between a good grape variety and an exceptional terroir ... In the heart of the Graves, Château Ferrande benefits from this so special terroir renowned as one of the largest in the region . Its soil consists mainly of sands and gravel including large pebbles on the surface. Very draining, warm at night, this soil is conducive to rapid maturities and the production of elegant and stylish wines. The high planting density allows to obtain grapes with a high potential of aromas and finesse while ensuring a good concentration. Property of the Castel Group since 1992, the Château Ferrande located in the town of Castres sur Gironde has 94 hectares in the Graves appellation (including 5 dedicated to the production of white wine) spread over gravelly soil. The estate has an ultramodern winery, including a very mild press.
Graves Appellation Graves Controlee 13.5% abv $28.99. Varietals: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. The wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels (50% new wood)My Tasting Notes.
The aromas were very nuanced. I found dark cherry and my friends found blackberry. There was also juniper berry and vanilla along with chocolate. In addition, a slight barn yard smell. One review I read used the word empyrheumatic. The Meriam Webster definition is being or having an odor of burnt organic matter as a result of decomposition at high temperatures creosote and other empyreumatic oils.Garnet in color. On the palate: dry, high acid, medium tannin, medium body and medium finish. The flavor was of ripe blueberry, licorice, chocolate and white pepper. I liked this wine though it was the least favorite of the group. It tasted better the next day. Excellent pairing with the white cheddar cheese.
More information about the vineyard.
The vineyard of Château Ferrande, which gives birth to this cuvee of Graves, covers 89 hectares and benefits from the terroir so particular of the appellation whose soils consist mainly of sands and gravels rich in large surface pebbles, the latter ensuring good drainage Soils and, once the sun is down, a generous restitution of the heat of the day.In the heart of the Graves The identity of a great wine is a marriage between a good grape variety and an exceptional terroir ... In the heart of the Graves, Château Ferrande benefits from this so special terroir renowned as one of the largest in the region . Its soil consists mainly of sands and gravel including large pebbles on the surface. Very draining, warm at night, this soil is conducive to rapid maturities and the production of elegant and stylish wines. The high planting density allows to obtain grapes with a high potential of aromas and finesse while ensuring a good concentration. Property of the Castel Group since 1992, the Château Ferrande located in the town of Castres sur Gironde has 94 hectares in the Graves appellation (including 5 dedicated to the production of white wine) spread over gravelly soil. The estate has an ultramodern winery, including a very mild press.
2 WHITE WINES
**** Chateau Ferrande Graves 2014 Grand Vin De Bordeaux 12.5% abv $28.99. Varietals: 50% Sauvignon Blanc 50% Semillion
My Tasting Notes:
A beautiful deep lemon color with fresh aromas of lemon, green apple, grapefruit and grass. On the palate, dry, high acid, low tannin, light body and short finish. The flavors were of green apple grapefruit and nectarine. I love how the sav blanc adds zing to the Semillion. We paired this with the arugula salad with lemon and Parmesan cheese. The wine made the salad less bitter and sharp. It also pared very well with scallops. I liked this wine and would buy it again. Dennis said it would age well.
More information about the vineyard.
More information about the vineyard.
Information from Dennis Kohl:
Soil: large pebbles on top of sand and gravel subsoil
Location: Village of Castres sur Gironde in the heart of Graves
Fermentation: Stainless steel. Tank aged
Vineyard 25 - 30 year old vines
Chateau Ferrande is situated in the village of Castres-Gironde, at the heart of the Graves region. The chateau itself is a fine manor house, rebuilt at the end of the 19th century on an estate whose origins date much further back in history, Access is by an avenue lines with cedar trees, and the estate is enclosed by a fortified roughstone wall which serves as a reminder of its historical heritage. Nearly 90 hectacres are given over to vines producing a wine which is a member of the highly coveted Union des Grand Crus
Chateau Ferrande is situated in the village of Castres-Gironde, at the heart of the Graves region. The chateau itself is a fine manor house, rebuilt at the end of the 19th century on an estate whose origins date much further back in history, Access is by an avenue lines with cedar trees, and the estate is enclosed by a fortified roughstone wall which serves as a reminder of its historical heritage. Nearly 90 hectacres are given over to vines producing a wine which is a member of the highly coveted Union des Grand Crus
***** Chateau La Graviere 2016 Entre-Deux-Mers Grand Vin De Bordeaux
12.5% abv $9.99. Varietals: 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 55% Semillon, 10% Muscadelle.
My Tasting Notes:
This was the group's favorite white. It was a pale lemon color with aromas of violet, pear and light perfume. The palate was dry, high acid and light body. The flavor was apricot.
More information about the vineyard.
Information from Dennis KohlMore information about the vineyard.
Location: Sait Genes de Lombard - heart of the Entre deux Mers region
Harvest: Mechanical harvest, followed by selection of fruits by hand
Maceration & Pressing: Maceration on skins at low temperatures. Pneumatic pressing.
Fermentation: temperature controlled stainless steel vat. Fermentation from 20 days at 64 F.
Wine Making Mature on lees until bottling. Stirring of the lees twice a week for 2 months.
Sauvignon is the king grape of the Entre-deux-Mers. It is often the subject of specific work during winemaking, skin maceration. This gives very fragrant wines, lively, but without excess of nervousness, well balanced and endowed with a beautiful aromatic power. Sauvignon is mainly associated with Sémillon, which gives roundness and power. As an extra varietal blend, Muscadelle brings very pleasant wild and musky notes.
The wines of Entre-deux-Mers are exclusively white. Their aromatic palette plays with notes of citrus, yellow flowers, exotic fruits. On the palate, they are supple, lively and refreshingly refreshing.
The wines of Entre-deux-Mers are exclusively white. Their aromatic palette plays with notes of citrus, yellow flowers, exotic fruits. On the palate, they are supple, lively and refreshingly refreshing.
Another reference: https://daily.sevenfifty.com/regions/bordeaux/
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