|
 |
Château Les Gravieres St Emilion Grand Cru 2005
 |
|
BN#173499 |
Les Graviéres is a tiny vineyard planted on very gravelly, sandy soils in St.-Sulpice, and is one of the few Saint-Emilions made from 100% Merlot. The owner, Denis Barraud, believes in lower yields, small steel tank fermentation, relatively long cuvaison (which is the time the wine spends in contact with the skins) and the use of 100% new oak. Parker has been extremely impressed with the methods, and we expect great things from this newcomer in the future.
Wine Advocate
This serious St.-Emilion’s structure and tannin would suggest it contains some Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc, but it is, in fact, 100% Merlot. Surprisingly austere considering its Merlot content, it possesses copious quantities of sweet currant and cherry fruit interwoven with notions of smoke, licorice, underbrush, and pain grille. Full-bodied, dense, firm, and backward, it will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025.
Score: 91.
—Robert Parker,
April
2008.
|
