2010 Domaine Allary Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux
Critics reviews
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 02/05/2011
About this WINE
Domaine Allary Haut-Brion
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
This minuscule 3-acre vineyard located within the Haut-Brion vineyard used to be called La Passion Haut-Brion and old-timers will no doubt remember the remarkable wines that emerged from this parcel. Now under new owners with Stephane Derenoncourt as the consultant, the 2010 resurrects the memories of those previous beauties. A 300-case blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon that attained 14.5% natural alcohol, it reveals aromas of smoky barbecue, graphite, black currants and cherries. A classic Graves displaying medium to full body, wonderful elegance and plenty of potential complexity, it should drink well for 15 or more years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 02/05/2011
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