Wednesday January 16th, a very cold, windy and rainning day in Pomerol estate, we went with Laure Chavaroche (Export manager of H.Cuvelier House) to meet Mr. Nicolas Despagne, one of the owner with Gerard Despagne of Chateau La Rose Figeac and Chateau Hautes Graves Beaulieu.
In the morning, we arrived at Ch. Maison Blanche in Montage Saint-Emilion area where everything takes place after the harvest made by hand every year. As you can see below the vinification is also traditionnal with a control of temperatures which will be about three weeks. (below)
The whole production (13.25 acres) of Ch.La Rose Figeac does age in French oak barrels during 12 to 15 months and for the second wine Ch. Hautes Graves Beaulieu is about 12 months. We ended-up this visit by a tasting of 2004, 2005 and 2006 .
Both wines were very delicate but Ch.Rose Figeac was more complex and well-balanced compared to the second wine.Don't forget H.Cuvelier & Fils has
the exclusivity of Hautes Graves Beaulieu since 2003 vintage.After, we took the direction to Saint-Emilion estate to visit Ch.Angélus (1st Grand Cru Classé B, St-Emilion) owned by Mr.Hubert de Boüard de Laforest. This mythic and fantastic premium wine is also associated to perfection and tradition because seven generation have been involved and maintained the same style through these years among 58.5 acres of vines.
The wines ageing part is a minimum 20 months but can go 28 months in oak barrels, this will depend on the vintage.
We had the privilege to have the visit done by the headtaster.
Then, we finished by a tasting of 2004 vintage which was a classic with a slight touch of black fruits, moka, liquorice and new french oak. A lot of finesse and a long finish.
He indicated to us this one will be matured between 2010 and 2025 but he insisted as well their wines can be accessible younger and they will still reveal an intense and rich taste of fruit.
Then, following our lunch in Saint-Emilion village we had an appointment with Mr.Francois Despagne, owner of Ch.Grand Corbin-Despagne (St-Emilion Grand Cru). His vineyards are about 66.35 acres and located at the boundaries of St-Emilion estate. Since 1998, there is a second wine called Petit Corbin-Despagne.
Mr. Despagne (below) conducted himself the tasting but he showed us the great cellar behind the tasting room.
Of course, after viewing those magnificient format and selection of old vintages, we finished our day by the tasting Ch.Grand Corbin-Despagne 2004
. For him, the wine is a truly classic with very rich fruity taste but with elegance and finesse.I would like to thank you all Chateaux owners for their warm welcome and for sharing their passion with us.
Cheers,
MFM
