2018 Pontête-Bellegraves Graves de Vayres Bordeaux

WSI94 Lovely fragrant nose of fresh crushed berries and sweet summer. Concentrated cassis, cherry and hints of darker fruit intermingle. Notes of chocolate and espresso beans in the background. The palate is fresh, lively, seductively rich and superbly balanced. Such an immediately enjoyable red blend for all occasions.14.5% alc.
Estate Notes: Aromas of black plums, light herbs and black currants. Medium-bodied and fruity with refined tannins. PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Grilled steak with pepper; roasted lamb with herbs; aged French cheeses. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Hand-harvested. Partially destemmed and fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks. Aged for one year in French oak barrels, with 25% new oak.  Graves de Vayres, located on the left bank of the Dordogne (Fronsac is directly across the river), is characterized by a series of gravelly terraces that also have a high sand content. Sub-soils are almost exclusively gravel. 

The appellation of Graves de Vayres was often compared in the nineteenth century to the fine wines of Pomerol. The region, located on the left bank of the Dordogne (Fronsac is directly across the river), is characterized by a series of gravelly terraces that also have a high sand content. Sub-soils are almost exclusively gravel.
Vineyards are cared for sustainably, following organic practices as much as weather conditions permit. Vines are on average 30 years old, and are planted 80% to Merlot and 20% to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed and lightly crushed, then fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Wines are aged in a mix of new (25%) and older French oak barrels for 12 months in the estate’s sixteenth-century cellar.