Le Grand Noir Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (France)

Description

"Classically styled, the wine shows dark plum, blackcurrant, vanilla and tobacco characters on the nose, followed by a beautifully weighted palate that is succulent and flavoursome. The wine offers lovely balance and harmony, elegantly framed by fine, chalky tannins. At its best: now to 2022" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jul 2019

The blend of rich blackcurranty Cabernet and bramble, gently peppery Syrah makes this a very distinctive wine. The vanilla character of the oak is oresent but subtle, and the tannins are softer than in many Cabernets. A very luxurious drink; silky and satisfying. A pioneering wine for the region, but a revival of the old tradition of adding hermitage made from Syrah to Château Latife and other Bordeaux made from Cabernet Sauvignon.

The grapes, selected from low yielding vines, comes fromthe areas of Carcassonne and the Minervois, in association with Celliers Jean d'Alibert.

The two varieties were vinified separately. Both went through a period of cold soak. Fermentation on skins lasted 2 weeks prior to pressin. There was very limited use of press wine.

Food Pairing: Good with a range of red meat dishes, but its soft fruity character makes this an attractive wine to drink by itself.