Blaye 2008
Your exclusive Blaye this year (2011) is a blend of 40% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 25% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in a variety of barriques, new and used, for 16 months. The 2008 vintage was, according to Jean-Michel a ‘classic’ year. Following indifferent weather for most of the summer, the conditions changed right at the end with lovely sunshine in September and October. Harvest started on the 25th September with the Merlot and finished with the Cabernet Sauvignon on October the 12th. It is a vintage that has produced delicious wines with attractive fruit and structure for medium-term cellaring potential. Although the wines can be broached now they have ageing potential to around 2016/7.
It is deep in colour and has a lovely mix of incense, spice and truffle oil on the nose. The palate has a fresh, juicy quality with good clean fruit, a decent tannic grip and chocolatey richness. The finish is long, elegant and fresh. It has the classic Monconseil-Gazin combination of delicious, ripe, mellow fruit and good structure. For a wonderful food match, try it with Bullfighters Beef stew (from Rick Stein’s French Odyssey).
Available in 2012, the much-heralded 2009 Bordeaux vintage.