Château de la Grave 2005 Tasting Notes

Côtes de Bourg Dédicace 2002 

The weather in 2002 proved as contrary as in 2001, demanding once again the very best from the very best winemakers.  After a topsy-turvy summer the autumn provided good spells of hot dry weather, particularly in September, enabling most grapes to be harvested in prime condition. As in 2001 the harvest was late, but done carefully in ideal conditions.

Our 2002 exclusive wine - Dédicace - is made from the classic Bordeaux grape varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%).  It has been aged in oak barrels, half of which are new and half of which have been used once, for the production of Philippe Bassereau’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.  Philippe describes the overall taste as croquant, which loosely translates as crunchy! The wine 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 it will develop great complexity and improve over at least the next 7 - 8 years.  It is ideal with red meat (especially roast lamb and roast beef), game, casseroles and hard cheeses.  Delicious - and superb value for money!