While so many column inches are written about the great wines of Bordeaux every year, much of this commentary is restricted to the top 25, or perhaps the top 50 Cru Classé Chateaux of the Medoc. The charm and appeal of these great historical Chateaux is clear for everyone to see, however, everyday wine consumers are far more likely to first encounter the delicious wines from the many Petit Chateaux in Bordeaux, located on both the left and right bank of the Gironde, long before they ever graduate to the classified Cru Classé growths. Drinking and enjoying wines like Chateau Moulin Lafitte, is a key part of many consumers Bordeaux journey.
The small 13.5-hectare Bordeaux property of owner Eric Couthures is located in Saint-Pierre d’Aurillac on the northern banks of the Garonne river just east of Barsac and Preignac. The average age of the vines is 30+ years old with most of the vines planted on primarily clay rich soils at a density of 3,000 to 5,000 vines per hectare. In these clay rich soils, Merlot thrives, forming up to 40% of the final Chateau Moulin Lafitte blend depending on the vintage, along with up to 30% of Cabernet Sauvignon for added structure and density, and 30% Cabernet Franc for textural elegance, perfume, and finesse. At the Chateau, De Mour head winemaker Jean Michel Garcion acts as technical director, crafting these three cultivars into classical red blends that are aged in vats for between 8 and 12 months before bottling. I recently tasted the 2018 vintage that is currently on release in many European markets and was suitably impressed.
Chateau Moulin Lafitte 2018, AOC Bordeaux, 13% Abv.
An opaque red plum colour in the glass with a bright garnet rim, the aromatics on the 2018 cuvee are evocative, deep, and broody, with ample notes of potpourri, dried mint leaf, white flowers, freshly tilled earth and subtle notes of ripe wild dark berries, pink musk, spiced plums, black currant compote and sweet sappy cedar spice nuances. The medium bodied palate shows a sleek, polished mouthfeel with harmonious tight grained tannins and a controlled power, perfectly balanced by soft, fleshy black berry fruits, spicy black cherry, hints of black tea, and a pithy vibrant freshness on the finish. Masterfully assembled, this blend combines the generosity and plushness of the Merlot fruit with the ample structure and authority of the two Cabernet grapes, fashioning an impressive, classically styled savoury Bordeaux with harmony and finesse. At almost 7 years old, this 2018 is approaching peak drinkability!
(Wine Safari Score: 91/100 Greg Sherwood MW)
The wines are distributed by De Mour Wines. Contact Anthony Crameri for further vintage and ex-cellar pricing information.