Wine Last Sold on: January 24, 2013
Racines de la terre
Featured Wine:
2009 Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux
| Varietal: | Bordeaux |
| Region: | France: Bordeaux |
| Availability: | Limited |
| Avg. Price: | $24.00 |
| Wine Spies: | $16.49 |
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SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:
We only showcase wines that we love. While our emphasis is on quality first, every now and again we come across a real standout wine that rises above. When we do, we issue alerts like this one.
SUPER QPR ALERT:
At today’s special Wine Spies price, this wine delivers tremendous value - and a drinking experience that exceeds expectations, easily earning it this special QPR (Quality to Price Ratio) Alert.
Mission Codename: The Roots
- Operative
- Agent Red
- Objective
- Send Agent Red to France, in search of an elegant, flavorful Bordeaux blend, worthy of our most discerning Operatives. Secure as many cases as possible.
- Mission Status
- Accomplished!
Final Assessment
We normally reserve our import wines for our International Selection Sundays, but I wanted to be sure to bring today’s special French blend to your attention.
Today’s 2009 Graves de Vayres is a really exceptional Bordeaux blend… from Bordeaux! At this price, the wine was just too good to pass up. If you are looking for a great daily-drinker or an easy wine to serve with a wide variety of foods, look no further.
This is a delicious and intriguing wine with drak fruits on the nose and palate. This well-structured blend will appeal to any Cabernet fan, but balanced and bright acids make this a better food companion than a Classic Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are looking for a bright but flavor-filled wine to serve with an elegant meal, look no further.
Graves de Vayres is an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the Bordeaux region of France. It comprises 1,700 acres that span the Vayres and Arveyres communes. The region is located within the Entre-Deux-Mers subregion of Bordeaux.
Pair with a grilled steak, stewed lamb, ratatouille, or a pasta with a heavy vegetable ragu.
Tasting Profile
Ruby red with even concentration of color. At the core, the wine is slightly darker but still clear. At the edge of the wine a fine ring of bright garnet picks up the light.
Lush and very balanced with a wonderful mix of fruit and forest. Deep black fruit of blackberry and blueberry take the lead. Black cherry, dark plum and dark raspberry. Woodsy notes of dried leaves, subtle dried mushroom and dried tobacco leave round out the nose.
The palate mirrors the nose very closely. Firm tannins grip the palate while driving flavors to the far corners. A mouthwatering acidity also help to support the fruit and earthen flavors. Black plum and black cherry are especially present, up front. Cassis and dried blueberry follow.
Grippy and firm, drawing flavors to the corners of the mouth and coating with dark fruit gradually giving way to chalky minerals and dried leaves.
What the Winery Says
The 2009 Racine de la Terre Bordeaux is handcrafted with 100% Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes from Château Goudichaud, located in Grave de Vayres.
Vineyard
The soils of Château Goudichaud display great diversity from one side of the estate to the other. The vineyard can be divided into three parts: a central plateau which is composed of clay and limestone, the gravel is about three feet deep; then on each side of this plateau, gravely slopes enjoy optimal exposure. This gravelly soils, common to the Graves de Vayres, are clayey, deep and generous. Graves de Vayres AOC is considered to give more consistent quality of both red and white than other parts of Entre-deux-mers.
Vinification
The vines are trained so as to obtain an over maturity of the grapes which will emphasize the fruit and the roundness. Consequently, the grape harvest is done as late as possible, according to the climate and the state of the grapes. The berries are then sorted and taken to the vats. The vinification is controlled through juice and pomace temperature. A daily tasting allows for modification.
Tasting Notes
This wine is garnet hued and medium in body. Notes of red plum, red berries and cedar box lead to a long finish with supple and velvet like tannins.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect companion to grilled red meats, roasts, cheese, and chocolate.
About the Winery
Wines from Racines de la Terre are all estate grown and single vineyard varietals near Carcassonne between Minervois and Corbieres. The Winery has been producing wine for more than 100 years.
