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This is the last interview of the 2006 Bordeaux vintage. Here I am chatting with Mr. Eric Fourault of Chateau Clarke, located in the Listrac area of the Médoc, Bordeaux on the left bank of the Gironde river. The origins of the estate date back to the 12th century when the Cistercian monks of the Vertheuil Abbey planted the first vines. In 1818 the knight Tobie Clarke purchased the primarily Limestone (with some clay) land that would permanently bear his name. By the time Baron Edmond de Rothschild bought the property in 1973 the vineyard was abandoned and neglected. A replanting process took place between 1974 and 1978 and the result was a grape growing area totaling 53 hectares (about 133 acres).
The 2006 vintage is comprised of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The prevalence of Merlot in this Listrac vintage reflects more of a right bank St Emilion than a left bank Cabernet Sauvignon prevalent wine. Aromas of black plums, cassis and cigar box lead to a palate of soft ripe fruit with underlying freshness and structure suitable for carrying itself for the long haul. A serious wine but without the pretense and the fuss of the more prestigious classified growth neighbors. Decant for over an hour prior to drinking. This wine will pair well with rosemary garnished pepper crusted grilled lamb chops, aged shropshire cheddar and semi dried black figs. A great bargain at average US retail of $23 (POW 90).
Technical tidbits:
Appellation : Listrac Médoc
Number of parcels : 45
Area planted : 53 ha
Production : 150 – 250 000 bottles per year
Grape varieties planted (percentage of area planted):
Cabernet Sauvignon : 48%
Merlot : 42%
Cabernet Franc : 8%
Petit Verdot : 2%
Type of soil : calcareous Eocene and calcareous clay
Harvesting : by machine/the entire crop is hand sorted prior to pressing; the entire crop is hand sorted on ground sheets
Vinification : traditional in thermoregulated stainless-steel vats – long maceration
Maturation : in new casks (60 – 100%) for 12 – 18 months
Pasting : With egg white
Walid Romaya
Prince of Wine
www.princeofwine.com
