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Cru Monplaisir, Bordeaux Supérieur

Bordeaux, France 2012 (750mL)
$20.00
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Cru Monplaisir, Bordeaux Supérieur


The husband-wife dynamo, Julie Médeville and Xavier Gonet, descend from a rich line of vignerons and winemakers; crafting world-class wine could be said to be part of their genetic makeup. Julie descends from the Château Gilette clan, famous with Sauternes lovers around the world, while Xavier finds his roots amongst the growers of Champagne’s famous Le Mesnil. In 2009, the power couple added even more cache to their own quality-driven lineup with the acquisition of an advantageously positioned Bordeaux Supérieur known as Cru Monplaisir. This special, historical holding, located along with border of the famous village of Margaux, is comprised of two parcels. One boasts silt soils and is nestled just beneath Château d’Issan while the second is nurtured in gravel and clay soils just below the famous first-growth, Château Margaux.
 
As a Bordeaux Supérieur, a property, such as Cru Monplaisir, usually consists of one or more special parcels, akin to a lieu-dit in Burgundy; Cru Monplaisir is historically known for its parcels that are incredibly unique, even in terms of a Bordeaux Supérieur. Further, as a Bordeaux Supérieur, the government stipulates that vineyards are regulated to significantly lower yields and the grapes are picked with higher brix levels, which results in a .5% increase in alcohol level from the standard of a Bordeaux AOC wine. This 2012 Cru Monplaisir was entirely hand-harvested then fermented in climate-controlled stainless steel then transferred to a mix of French oak and stainless steel to age. The blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc offers classic Bordeaux at an unbeatable price point. There is truly nothing like it on the market.
 
In the glass, this wine exhibits an almost opaque dark ruby core with pink and garnet reflections on the rim. The nose exudes classic Bordeaux with blackcurrants and cherry bolstered by ample leather, tobacco, tar, pencil lead and crushed rock. The medium-bodied palate offers soft, approachable tannins and confirms the aromas on the nose along with additional fresh red plums, cocoa powder and a nuanced touch of oak. Designed for food, this is the ideal wine for opening three or four bottles for a large dinner party. The price is perfect for a substantial gathering and the wine, as a partner to food, will prove ideal for this upcoming summer’s cool evenings when served at cellar temperature. A quintessential bottle for enjoyment right this moment, this 2012 Cru Monplaisir is peaking now and will shine over the next two to three years or more. While it will compliment anything from grilled steaks to myriad roasted dishes and beyond, I recommend pairing this wine with Anthony Bourdain’s Gigot d'Agneau de sept heures, or Leg of Lamb. This recipe, along with its supporting cast, is a show stopper at any dinner party.
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Country
France
Region
Bordeaux
Sub-Region
FranceLeft Bank - Bordeaux Supérieur
Soil
Gravel and Clay
Farming
Sustainable
Blend
20% Cabernet-sauvignon, 5% Cabernet-Franc, 75% Merlot
Alcohol
13.0
OAK
Mix of French and Stainless

France

Bourgogne

Beaujolais

Enjoying the greatest wines of Beaujolais starts, as it usually does, with the lay of the land. In Beaujolais, 10 localities have been given their own AOC (Appellation of Controlled Origin) designation. They are: Saint Amour; Juliénas; Chénas; Moulin-à Vent; Fleurie; Chiroubles; Morgon; Régnié; Côte de Brouilly; and Brouilly.

Southwestern France

Bordeaux

Bordeaux surrounds two rivers, the Dordogne and Garonne, which intersect north of the city of Bordeaux to form the Gironde Estuary, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The region is at the 45th parallel (California’s Napa Valley is at the38th), with a mild, Atlantic-influenced climate enabling the maturation of late-ripening varieties.

Central France

Loire Valley

The Loire is France’s longest river (634 miles), originating in the southerly Cévennes Mountains, flowing north towards Paris, then curving westward and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near Nantes. The Loire and its tributaries cover a huge swath of central France, with most of the wine appellations on an east-west stretch at47 degrees north (the same latitude as Burgundy).

Northeastern France

Alsace

Alsace, in Northeastern France, is one of the most geologically diverse wine regions in the world, with vineyards running from the foothills of theVosges Mountains down to the Rhine River Valley below.

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