Blackcurrant. Bordeaux is a large, diverse winegrowing region on France’s southwestern coast. Its annual production is nearly ten times that of Burgundy, and its expensive, long-lived red wines from famous chateaux dominate the region’s headlines. (We even have a few in this month’s Futures). But for the careful drinker, Bordeaux’s enormous range of wines offers some affordable, early maturing gems as well.
The Chateau Léhoul is a small family estate in Graves, just south of the city of Bordeaux, and their 2012 Graves rouge is the certainly best wine we’ve yet tasted from them. (We’re not alone: Decanter Magazine ranked the wine first in a tasting of sixty-two 2012 red Graves.) Whether they’re grilled outside or seared on a cast iron pan, if well-browned steaks are in your future, look no further than this perfect accompaniment.
Dark Chocolate. The Fonta family has been making wine at the Chateau Léhoul since 1798, and today it’s still very much a family affair. When we last visited, winemaker Eric was out making deliveries, so it fell to the grandmère to host us. Léhoul’s small scale and commitment to quality remind us of our family run Burgundy domaines, and their wine seems to get better each year.
The 2012 rouge is a Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend, with an enticing nose of plums, toast, and dark chocolate. The mouth is smooth and full and balanced, showing blackcurrant and cedar. The tannins are round but fine, providing a perfect fruit counterpoint for a kick of umami. And at this price there’s plenty left to splurge for a fine cut of meat.
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LÉHOUL Graves rouge 2012
Ansonia Retail: $30
case, half-case: $24/bot
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AVAILABLE IN 6- AND 12- BOTTLE LOTS
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or call Tom: (617) 249-3657
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