Description
A blend of very low yielding Tannat (80%) with Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 50% new oak barrels for 14 months. Since 2003, all the grapes used to make the Prestige cuvée are added to this wine. Malo is done in barrel and the wine is bottled without filtration. The nose is rich, generous and intensely flavoured. Ripe and deep, the palate shows layers of dark sweet fruit, seeds and cherry stone in a voluminous structure. Surprisingly supple, the tannins are finely polished and lead to a very long and sustained finish. Superb now, but will age effortlessly.
Alain Brumont has done an enormous amount of work for the appellation. He set the example by reducing yields, increasing significantly the density of vines per hectare, using only the best available grafts, buds selection, adapting grape varieties to the best suited terroir, harvesting perfectly ripe grapes and oak-ageing most of his wine.
The estates comprises of 3 main types of terroirs. Montus, with its steep rocky slopes, facing South, bathed in intense sunshine, with large pebbles and yellow and red clay subsoil.
Bouscassé with its fine clay with yellow and white streaks, covering over cracked limestone. Sandstone terroirs line the edges with an iron oxide and manganese concretion, producing more subtle wines. Gascogne is a relatively new terroir, arguably discovered by Alain Brumont who has been experimenting on it for the past 10 years.