St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Cuvée Carine 2009
The 2009 vintage started off with a cold, restorative winter, then a changeable spring led into a long hot summer which then developed into a full-blown Indian summer, right through to the end of October. The Cabernet Franc grapes came in with tremendous colour, lovely ripe fruit flavours and a good degree of tannin/acid structure for longevity.
Your exclusive Cuvée Carine 2009 comes from vines up to 60 years of age, grown on a south-facing slope of sand, limestone and clay. It is deep purple in colour with a fragrant, smoky nose from the four-month ageing in chestnut barriques. The palate is soft, supple and creamily textured with juicy raspberry and blackcurrant fruit, a touch of tobacco leaf and a finely etched, mineral length.
Attractive now, the wine will begin to evolve over the next four to five years and should provide excellent drinking for up to ten years. It can be drunk lightly chilled on its own, or as an accompaniment with grilled salmon or trout, or even your Sunday roast beef or lamb. As it ages, try it with something gamey.