CHATEAU LA RABALLE 2007

Description & Press Reviews:
Wine Style: Dry Red

Chateau La Raballe is a multi award winning chateau and lies near the little town of Lapouyade.  The 2007 has got great quality, smacks of class and stands out way and above its peers. The vineyard has been owned by the Leynier-Sicot family for over a century and they produce red Bordeaux and Côtes-de Bourg wines (Côtes-de Bourg is almost directly opposite the appellation Margaux on the other side of the River Gironde). This region has seen a surprising number of vintners drawn to the area over the past few years from famous estates, including François Mitjavile of the Saint Emilion Grand Cru Tertre Roteboeuf and Bernard Magrez of Chateau Pape Clement.

La Raballe's is an ancient plot – it is actually a Lieu Dit, a name often given to old vineyards that bear a traditional name. Lieu Dits were often from names of inhabitants, geographical features or an long lost hamlet and you can uncover a lot of local history from them. 'La Raballe' means a type of rake used for harvesting salt cultivated in salt ponds. The Romans brought the practice with them and a large Gallo-Roman villa owned by Titius lies not far from the chateau – which stands on a hill above the distant ponds (Les Etangs Jean de Vaux and Jarnac).

Chateau La Raballe 2007 is a smooth, sensuous, deep claret that oozes finesse. The tannins are silky and the structure is layered and beautifully balanced. The wine is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and La Raballe 2007 has intense brambly flavours of ripe blackberries, blueberries, and spice and with hints of violets, graphite, oak and smoke. It will pair splendidly with game: partridge, pheasant and venison as well as duck, beef as well as charcuterie (salamis, smoked sausage) and even rich spicy dishes.

Wine Pairing:  Perfect with Nick's Recipe for Roast Partridge with Whisky and Ginger Sauce

To read more about this wine see:  Good Value, High Quality Bordeaux:  Chateau La Raballe