2016 EP Chateau de Chantegrive, Cuvee Caroline

We always like this higher Cuvee. Nose is balanced and intense, with vivid citrus, apricot and white flowers. Fruity palate to start and ends with vanilla tones, nice texture and stone fruit. Fresh, minty finish. EP tasting convinces that this Cuvee has 5 years + to g.

Grape composition is 50% Sémillon & 50% Sauvignon. Handpicked.

Vinificaition starts with cold maceration, then skin and pre-fermentary cold stabilization for 21 days. Barrel fermentation in French oak barrels (50% of new oak) for 9 months, with «bâtonnages» sur lees. So this Cuvee Caroline is pretty complex for a simple Bordeaux sec. Grapes are quite old, Like over 35 years old.. Vineyard is just 16 HA. Plantation density is high at 6500 vines per HA.

Score is good as well.

JAMES SUCKLING: 93-94

This is dense and layered with beautiful intensity of crushed-stone and lemon character. Full body and a long finish. Apr 17, www.jamessuckling.com