Estate: Purchased by the Carreau family in 1832, cousins Sébastien and Nicolas Carreau are the 7th generation of the family to manage the 79 acres of vines at the estate. The name of the château originates from an ancient cross dedicated to Saint Peter, which can still be seen in the vineyards today.

Winemaking: The Carreau family is committed to environmentally responsible and sustainable methods. “Grateful for the quality of the soils given by their forefathers, Sébastien & Nicolas firmly fight for the protection of the environment, in order to pass it on to the next generations.” Grapes are from vineyards with clay and limestone soils.

Tasting Notes: Transparent garnet in colour, with dried cherry, fennel, leather, old paper and dusty floral aromas. Silky layers of cherry, smoky cedar, leather, tobacco and black pepper are supported by supple tannins and good acidity. Vanilla, red fruit and dark chocolate infuse the plush, dry finish. A splendid, refined sip and fantastic value.

70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec
Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
France
Estate Bottled
13% Alcohol
$14
Enjoy now thru 2019

Estate: Located in Lamarque, in the Haut-Medoc region of Bordeaux, Château Malescasse was built in 1824. From its start, the estate has consistently appeared in wine broker’s records. As with many historical estates in the region, its fortunes have waxed and waned over the years. Its changed hands a few times, with many of the owners having the best intentions of restoring the buildings and vineyards. In 2012, the 40 hectare estate was purchased by Philippe Austruy, “a major player in the health sector”, but also known for his revitalization of the prestigious Commanderie de Peyrassol in Provence. Within only 3 years the buildings were renovated and restored, and soil surveys were done to optimize varietal plantings in the fine gravel terroir.

Philosophy: “To maintain the identity of each vintage and of the terroir, Château Malescasse works hand in hand with Nature, regarding its main role as one of fostering and developing.”

Winemaking: The estate practices sustainable viticulture. 72 hours of cold maceration prior to fermentation, then fermented for 3 weeks with regular racking. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in casks of which 35% were new wood, the wine then being aged for 12 months on fine lees.

Tasting Notes: Dark garnet in colour with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black pepper and a hint of earth. There is a savoury edge to the rich, dark fruit, pepper spice and earth. Velvety tannins compliment pepper dusted fruit and dark chocolate on the plush finish. Well balanced and easy drinking, great on its own or with a wide variety of dishes.

44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 3% Cabernet-Franc, 6% Petit Verdot
Haut-Medoc
France
Estate bottled by Chateau Malescasse
13.5% Alcohol
$22 [average price]
Enjoy now thru 2018