About this WINE
Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself particularly well in blends with Merlot. This is actually the archetypal Bordeaux blend, though in different proportions in the sub-regions and sometimes topped up with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
In the Médoc and Graves the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend can range from 95% (Mouton-Rothschild) to as low as 40%. It is particularly suited to the dry, warm, free- draining, gravel-rich soils and is responsible for the redolent cassis characteristics as well as the depth of colour, tannic structure and pronounced acidity of Médoc wines. However 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be slightly hollow-tasting in the middle palate and Merlot with its generous, fleshy fruit flavours acts as a perfect foil by filling in this cavity.
In St-Emilion and Pomerol, the blends are Merlot dominated as Cabernet Sauvignon can struggle to ripen there - when it is included, it adds structure and body to the wine. Sassicaia is the most famous Bordeaux blend in Italy and has spawned many imitations, whereby the blend is now firmly established in the New World and particularly in California and Australia.
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Description
In 1620 Bernard de Pennautier had the good sense to employ one of the chief architects of the palace of Versailles, Le Vau, to extend his already rather impressive familial home, located on the outskirts of Carcassonne. Nicolas and Miren de L’Orgeril are his tenth generation descendants, all ten of whom have made wine, celebrating this unique environment. The Appellation Contrôlée of Cabardès is located at an altitude of 700-1000 metres in the southern foothills of the Montagne Noire, itself a geological and climatic cross-roads displaying both Atlantic Mediterranean influence.
This marriage of great natural convenience is reflected by the grape varieties blended in this wine; Cabernet Franc 20%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Merlot 20%, Cot 10%, Grenache 20% and Syrah 10%.
The result is balanced and harmonious with Bordelais restraint and stony charm tempered by warmer riper fruit notes from the Grenache and Syrah. The 2011 is slightly leaner than the 2010, reflecting vintage conditions, but both are balanced and finely –wrought. This is excellent mid-week fare, and befitting the occasional high day too.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)
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