Grande Cuvée 2019

It is all about our Cabernet Sauvignon "Vieilles vignes", planted between 1951 and 1978. 40-70 year old vines, when properly handled, produce outstanding wines. Old vines are rooted more deeply, are more resistant to drought, produce smaller crops. The average yields decrease leading to more concentrated, intense wines. In brief old vines taste more intense and profound, they embody "terroir". In our case, the heat of the summer days, the freshness of the nights and the Mistral.

After a manual harvest we first vinified the old Cabernet Sauvignon and the old Syrah separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. After blending the wine is aged for about 15 months in new and 2-4 year old barriques as well as 600 litre "Demi Muids". 

A wine to keep for another five to eight years. 

A deep purple colour with purplish-blue tints.

The nose reveals a pleasant sweetness, with notes of compote, freshness, with a mineral tone and a hint of flint, and depth, marked by humus.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and beautifully balanced, evolving towards a powerful finish, with tannins that become more refined, and where cherry aromas and hints of tobacco contribute to the delicacy and drinkability of the finish. 

Tasting it without accompaniment - perhaps with a book or classical music - gives the true perception of the Grande Cuvée. At the table, grilled meats such as veal chops, leg of lamb or lamb chops go perfectly with young vintages. Avoid sauces. From 5 years old, the wine reveals more complex tertiary aromas. It becomes a winter or autumn wine that calls for more elaborate dishes, a duck breast, a bloodied pigeon. 

Stay with extra mature hard cheeses, a Parmigiano Reggiano made from cows’ milk, or a mature Gouda.

Tasting it solo - perhaps with a book or classical music - gives the true perception of the wine. If you need a dessert, opt for an excellent dark chocolate mousse.