Steak. We spend more time in Burgundy than Bordeaux. Our small import business is usually a better fit with the family-run domaines of Burgundy than the large chateaux of Bordeaux. But we’ve been lucky enough to find a few Burgundy-scale producers in Bordeaux: small families making excellent wine away from the spotlight and marketing of the rest of the region.
The Chateau Léhoul is a small estate in Graves, just south of the city of Bordeaux, and their 2012 Graves rouge is the best we’ve yet tasted from them. It’s a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and a perfect match for a well-browned steak. And the price leaves room to splurge on a nice cut of beef.
Voted First. 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. We discovered Léhoul years ago, but the international press has started to take note — in fact, Decanter Magazine ranked this wine first in a tasting of sixty-two 2012 red Graves.
This wine is simply delicious today — a traditional, low-alcohol red Bordeaux at an unusually attractive price. The nose is deep and full, showing notes of plums, toast, and dark chocolate. The mouth is silky and expertly balanced, with fine but round tannins. The fruit is blackcurrant, providing a perfect counterpoint for some cedar and a kick of umami.
With cooler months on the way, we can’t think of a better red to have at the ready for perfectly cooked steak on a cozy evening.
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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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