21-05-2017
Bordeaux is the largest fine wine district on earth. The great red wine area are the Médoc, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, St-Emilion, and Pomerol. Bordeaux’s greatest glories are its finest red wines the complex yet magical blend of Cabernet and Merlot, and the tiny production of Sauternes, the liquid gold.
Each year, Union Des Grands Crus de Bordeaux organize a massive grand tasting in the heart of Bordeaux city, the participants are wine lovers, professionals, wine students, and amateurs, visitors comes from across the globe. This year over 110 chateau owners and their representatives poured two vintages of their grand cru wines – 2014 was commonly present, which promises, freshness, powerful, finest character, and elegance, however the wines are also perfect example of it’s own evolution, getting more balanced. Here is there Glimpse of 2016 Event.
In 2017 more than 120 wines were presented. Apart from the principal 2014 vintage, 2012 was the second most common among all the chateaux. Vintages that I have tasted 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
Let’s do our math right, according to 1855 Classification, Medoc, Graves, Sauternes (left bank), 5 chateaux comes under first growth, 14 chateaux for second and third growth, 10 chateaux under fourth growth, and 17 chateaux under fifth growth. Only 1 sauternes chateau qualifies for premier cru superior, 11 premier grand crus, and 14 second grand crus. According to 1955 Saint Emillion Classfication, 4 chateaux designated to Premier grand cru classé A, 14 chateaux Premier grand cru classé B, and 63 grand cru classé.
Grand Crus that I have selected to taste, simply because I missed out some during bdx16: Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Sauternes, Barsac, Péssac-Léognan.
When and if looking for white wines, Pessac-Léognan is my top favourites, my first pick was Chateau Carbonnieux, a cru classé grave. Vintage 2012 and 2014 presented by Mr. Eric PERRIN, who was also the director of « Cru Classé de Graves in 2013 » It was great having exchange few words with him. My very first work in Bordeaux was with Cru Classé De Graves, hence this might gives an idea of my knowledge and passion towards Pessac-Léognan wines.
Moving to next, Domaine De Chevalier, passionate, always presence, immensely talented and knowledgeable yet very grounded, Mr. Olivier Bernard, I’ve met Mr. Bernard at various different occasions during vinexpo 2015. At UGC tastings, Mr. Hugo Bernard (son of Mr. Olivier Bernard) was presenting family estate wines, it was also my first time having a moment of discussion with him. The 1994 vintage, is having lovely maturing hue, aromatic, over all I like this wine. One of the oldest vintage that I have tasted at the event. DDC is known for their extraordinary presence.
UGCB Grand Cru tasting 2017 highlights, afternoon catching up and having great conversation with Drink Bordeaux. The tasting started at 10am still It was quite challenging to cover and taste all the wines under one roof, so I have decided to stick around few, specially whom I missed during the 2016 barrel tastings and so far it was incredible experience, tasting the 2016 Left Bank, another grand successful event by UGCB Barrel Tastings.
Best surprises, Ch Canon for bringing out 2009 vintage, CLINET for 2003, DDC for 1994 Magnum, 2006 by Ch Beau-Sejour Bécot, 2010 Ch La Dominiq, 2010 Ch Guiraud 2002, Ch de Rayne Vigneau, for 2004, ch Sigalas Rabaud 2007, Ch Suduiraut 2008, Ch De Fargues for 2008, Ch Coutet 2009. For more wine stories let’s catch up here!
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