Côtes de Bourg 2009
2009 was hailed as the ‘vintage of the century’. It was certainly excellent and one of the easiest of harvests for vignerons. A cold winter helped get rid of pests and diseases. A damp April was followed by a fine, sunny May leading into a near perfect summer and autumn with just the right amount of rain to replenish the vines as well as cool nights to help give freshness and balance.
Your exclusive cuvée of Côtes de Bourg is a blend of 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The Merlot is sweet, juicy and spicy whilst the Cabernet’s and Malbec bring a rich, chocolatey aspect to the blend as well as good structure. Half of the wine has been aged in a mix of new oak barrels – Vincent uses different types to add complexity – and the other half is aged in cement tanks to provide balance.
The 2009 vintage is deep in colour and has a spicy, peppery nose of plum, blackberry confit and minerals. The palate is fresh and well defined with mouth-filling cassis and chocolate intermixed with liquorice, mocha and vanilla spice. It is a balanced wine with a lovely juicy texture and good tannic structure. Drink now to 2018. Try it with roast chicken with figs for an excellent match.