Château de la Grave 2007 Tasting Notes

Côtes de Bourg Dédicace 2004

Our exclusive Côtes de Bourg cuvée Dédicace 2004 is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. After the heatwave conditions of the previous year the weather returned to normal in 2004 with the required balance of heat and rain at the right times. The grapes ripened perfectly in the warm, dry summer weather, and after light refreshing rains in September the harvest took place under ideal conditions in early October. After the fermentation the wine was aged in oak barrels, half of which were new and half of which had been used once for the production of Philippe’s delicious white wine.

Dédicace has a deeply perfumed bouquet of ripe blackberry fruit with notes of vanilla from the oak; a deliciously rich and smooth blackcurrant flavour balanced by silky tannin and fine acidity. 2004 is a classic vintage; and it has already benefited from three years’ ageing, so you can drink it now thanks to its supple tannins, but it would be a shame not to keep some, as this wine will develop great complexity and improve over at least the next decade. It is ideal with red meat (especially roast lamb and roast beef), game, casseroles and hard cheeses. Quite delicious!