Château Lalande-Poitevin Graves – 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Graves (Bordeaux)

For your heavy Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this easy going red may just be the thing. It’ll work starting at the aperitif right on through to dessert. 

The Château de Castres dates back to the 16th century. Pre-phylloxera it was one of the largest wineries in the region. The Lalande-Poitevin family acquired it in 1996 and did a complete renovation, replanting every vine. They kept the wisdom of centuries – still preferring hand harvests and traditional methods in the winery. Tradition is sacred in Graves, with its gravelly soil formed by glaciers an eon ago. The region is home to some of Bordeaux’s oldest vineyards (the most famous of which is Haut Brion – pronounced “O’Brian” FYI).

This 2018 is a lighter Graves, though the classic spice and plum are there. But this isn’t one you age for decades. Drink now to 2028.

Tasting Notes: Signature Bordeaux Cabernet aromas of blackcurrant with red bell pepper, spicy & fruity, with a touch of toasted hazelnut and clove. Huge burst of flavors in the mouth, with fine grained tannins and smooth body. 

Terroir: The Graves subregion of Bordeaux is so called because of the gravelly soil, here layered with limestone and clay, retaining a little more water than entirely gravel soils. Warm climate moderated by the Garonne river.