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What We Say 2009 Médoc AOC
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Mission Codename: Between the Waters
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Secure a great value Bordeaux from the famed Médoc
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Château Le Barrail
Wine Subject: 2009 Médoc AOC
Winemaker: Antoine Medeville
Backgrounder:
The Médoc, on the tip of the Rive Gauche gets its name from the Latin medio aquae because it lies between the estuary of the the Gironde and the Atlantic Ocean. The region is best know as the home of some of Bordeaux best, and most expensive, wines. Many of the top wineries however, produce second and third label wines that while are not totally comparable to their top-shelf brethren, are extremely enjoyable. The wines of this region tend to be Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blended with any number of the other fine grapes in the region.
Today’s selection is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot from vines that are about 20 years old. The wine is aged in oak for between 12-28 months depending on the vintage.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Is a beautiful dark garnet purple with a dense core that shows slight garnet reflections when held to the light. When swirled fast thick and color stained legs race down the side of the glass and are followed by slower legs that just hang.
Smell – Aromatic with aromas of sweet and ripe red and black fruit that are framed with a spice and smokey oak component. Sweet spice, green herbs, soft cocoa and a touch of earthiness also emerge as the nose invites a sip.
Feel – This smooth and dry wine is full-bodied with a rich medium firm tannins and a dusty minerality. A touch of acidity balances out the feel.
Taste – Ripe black and red fruit including blackberry, black cherry, dark plum and tart currants blend with sweet oak, hints of green herbs, sweet spice, mineral graphite, and a touch of both earth and cocoa.
Finish – Medium in length with this wine’s rip and rich fruit lingering for a moment before fading leaving this wine’s oak, tannins and mineral notes that dry the tongue and prompts another sip.
Conclusion – The 2009 Château Le Barrail Médoc AOC is a nice Bordeaux, especially at the price point. Pure varietally, showing both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot’s character from the nose though to the finish. Certainly young, but you can enjoyed now (let it breathe for at least 30-45 minutes); certainly not too tight that you need to wait too long. We paired this wine with massive grilled burgers topped with blue-cheese and all the fixings.
Mission Report:
We are working to acquire a winemaker interview for this wine. Once we have it we will post it here. A Votre Sante!
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The approximate location of the Château Le Barrail in the commune of Begadan in the Médoc can be seen in this satellite photo.
What the Winery Says
Château Le Barrail
About This Wine:
Very fruity bouquet. Young, fresh, rich with ripe red fruits. This wine goes well with all red meats and cheeses
About The Winery:
Set amongst the famous vineyards and châteaus on the outskirts of the medieval City of Saint Emilion, stands the most unique chateau hotel of the Bordeaux “Rive Droite” with its impressive 19th century architecture.
From its historic past as a pure wine producing chateau, Château Grand Barrail has preserved its love of wines and gastronomy. In order to best express these passions, the Cuisine was in February 1995 entrusted to Philippe Etchebest, a young Chef originally from the Sud Ouest who has based his innovative cuisine on local products.
Hôtel Château Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac is synonymous with warmth and the art of hospitality. In the Château and the New Wing you will discover 23 rooms and 5 suites, each at least 35 square meters with all the amenities, comfort and refinement of a luxury hotel.
Technical Analysis:
Region: Médoc AOC
Varietals: 55% cabernet sauvignon 45% merlot
Alcohol: 13.5%
Soil: Clay and limestone.
Vinification: Optimum ripeness at harvest, traditional in temperature controlled vats with pre-fermentation maceration.
Winemaking: In cement vats with a cold pre-fermentation maceration. Then a minimum of 12 months in oak barrels. Wine is bottled about 18 months after the harvest. Malolactic, in oak barrels.
