Brilliant Bordeaux!

Château Montjouan, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux 

The Premières Côtes de Bordeaux are situated on the right bank of the Garonne, facing the more famous Graves appellation on the opposite bank. In the Spring of this year, I enjoyed the lovely rolling countryside by following the lovely cycle track from the Entre-Deux-Mers region, that runs on the site of the old railway line into the heart of the city of Bordeaux.

Anne-Marie la Barazer is one the first vignerons that we ever visited and bought from, starting with her excellent 1985 vintage. We have enjoyed many vintages since then.  She is married to a lawyer, and has devoted her time to making a wine of Grand Cru Bordeaux style but without the high price that usually goes with it.  Her vineyard is tiny, a mere 8 hectares.  The blend is Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc and the wine is aged in a mix of new and old barriques.

Her wines are truly hand-crafted, and it was climbing up one of the fermentation tanks last year that resulted in a knee injury. She is now fully recovered but sadly her orthopaedic surgeon has advised her to retire, as he can’t guarantee the long term success of his repair if she continues to soldier on!  So, this is the last chance for us to buy her marvellous wines. 

 Anne-Marie with Terry

We have managed to purchase what little remains of two great vintages – the 2000 a classic by any standard, and the 2001 which is equally good but fruitier in style.  These are both silky complex clarets, and cry out for food to accompany them – some good roast beef or a leg of lamb, and you’ll be in heaven!

A Mixed Case of 6 bottles of each -

Château Montjouan 2001                                                                                                                           £7.95 AC   Premières Côtes de Bordeaux                                                                                                                          This has good deepish colour, with a hint of maturity.  There is an inviting minty Merlot nose with a hint of new oak, while on the palate it is beautifully silky, complex with cassis fruit flavours, ripe tannins and good length. Delicious for current drinking but will last another 5 years.  Very stylish!

Château Montjouan 2000                                                                                                                                 £7.95 AC Premières Côtes de Bordeaux                                                                                                                           The 2000 is a bit deeper and more mature in colour. The nose has hints of cedar and the cigarbox.  The palate is dominated by lovely ripe fruit and more complexity with hints of spice. It is also silky in texture and very harmonious with wonderful balance and length.  It has more concentration than the 2001, and will last a little longer if kept.

 Mixed Case Offer : £95.40

 As usual, please email, fax, phone or write to place your orders.