This week I was interested in seeing how the reds of Graves from the highly regarded 2005 vintage stacked up to their more prestigious neighbors to the north in the Medoc, so I grabbed this bottle from the best known part of Graves.
The vineyards of Pessac- Léognan share similar attributes to that of the Medoc, notably its gravelly, well draining topsoil, on which mostly Cabernet Sauvignon is grown. The wines of Pessac Léognan, like many of Bordeaux’s appellations, are particular and distinctly different. This region is as well known for its characterful oak aged whites as its charming reds, which tend to be on the slightly lighter, more savory side, often exhibiting more of a mineral, graphite like quality.
The 2005 Carbonnieux expressed all the typical characteristics very well, made in the traditional proportions, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with 30 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Franc. After spending nearly 4 years in the bottle it still came across as rather young and closed at first. Until you let the fruit unwind, the tannins feel a little overwhelming, however, by the time I poured my second glass it had woven together rather well. The nose was enticing, with not overripe notes of blackcurrant fruit and damp forest floor. The palate had less fruit than the nose suggested but was very clean, defined and focused. If you like or want to try something more on the herbaceous, savory and mineral side this is definitely worth a go. We drank it alongside a mild jambalaya, and although it was still delicious, it would be more at home accompanying a juicy Beef Wellington.
No comments:
Post a Comment