About this WINE
Ch. Argadens
As with many small properties in the appellation Bordeaux Superieur wine appellation, the history of Ch. Argadens stretches further than one might imagine. Founded as early as the 12th Century, its exact wine producing records are somewhat clouded by the mists of time, but since its purchase by the Sichel family in 2002 there has been a noticeable upswing in quality.
The Sichel family have an enviable portfolio of Estates in Bordeaux, including Ch. Palmer and Ch. Angludet in Margaux. Their guiding objective with Ch. Argadens was a simple one, they wanted to make it a benchmark for the appellation, and on this evidence they are well on the way. The Château is situated in the Entre-Deux-Mers, at one of the highest points in the region. Its altitude and well-drained soil, result in beautifully pure, expressive fruit, which is enhanced by ageing the wine for 12-14 months in (25% new) oak barrels.
The perfect growing conditions in 2009 have resulted in a wine that is fabulous value. It is rich but not heavy - complex yet easily drinkable. It is above all, “proper claret”. This is exactly the sort of wine that challenges that widely held belief that the Bordelais are happy to rest on their laurels, while the likes of Chile and Australia usurp their market share. In a great vintage such as 2009, few regions can match the classic complexity, and sheer drinkability of red Bordeaux.
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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