Château Pey La Tour - Réserve Vieilles Vignes
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur
Completely overwhelmed by the quality of this vineyard that dates back to the middle ages, Dourthe acquired the estate in 1990. For more than 25 years, a new viticultural approach was applied across the entire vineyard, respecting the terroir and vines in the quest for optimum fruit quality. As a result of rigorous vineyard management, the harvest is spread markedly over time, allowing all the grapes to be picked at optimum ripeness. The Réserve Vieilles Vignes du Château, which expresses the specific character of the finest terroirs, is aged for 12 - 14 months in the barrel hall next to the winery.
Vinification & Ageing
Cold pre-fermentation maceration applied to certain batches. Traditional vinification in individual batches in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.
12 - 14 months in oak barrels, in individual batches. Partly aged on the lees.
~~ Find out more about the property ~~The vintage
After a promising start to the year, a dull, gloomy summer meant ripening got off to a slow start. Any worries were lifted towards the end of August with the arrival of exceptional, lasting weather conditions. While the quality of the vintage owes a great deal to the excellent late-season, a vintage of this quality would not be possible without considerable work in the vineyards earlier in the season to ensure pristine quality in the vines and stunning fruit. The Indian summer set in for the long haul in early September, creating optimum conditions for the predominant Merlot to ripen under its own steam, followed by the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Harvesting began October 2nd and remained entirely stress-free, coming to a close October 23rd in ideal weather conditions, creating fruit character, concentration and balance in the different parcels.
Tasting notes
“Concentrated and bright in appearance. Intensely fruity on the nose, offering delicately spiced notes, and leading up to the full-bodied, all-encompassing palate, where fresh dark fruits are lifted by appealing freshness and evident, yet silky, tannins. Lovely lingering finish characterised by fruit, spice and the odd lingering tannic note that will soon soften.” (June 2016)
Frédéric Bonnaffous, Vignobles Dourthe Director
Blend
88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot
Medals and Accolades
Tasting notes
Blend
5% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 85% Merlot
Medals and Accolades
Médaille d'OR
Médaille d'ARGENT
Tasting notes
Very ripe on the nose, fleshy and wonderfully intense, revealing roasted, mocha notes. The wine is generous on the palate, well-balanced, with fine and rounded tannins which are evident but not at all aggressive. The wine is concentrated with a hint of freshness on the finish.
Blend
90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Medals and Accolades
Médaille d'OR
Tasting notes
Dark purple in appearance. The intense, fresh, red fruit aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry characterize the delicately oaked bouquet. The wine is fleshy on the palate and the aromas on the nose increase in intensity, whilst the structure is immediately noticeable. The effect rises like a crescendo and the flavors blend together, the acidity and alcohol form a perfect balance, and the aromas and delicate tannins integrate to perfection. Red fruit notes accompany the wine’s long finish. A great vintage, extremely elegant.
Blend
2% Petit Verdot, 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
Medals and Accolades
La cuvée réserve 2010 du domaine offre des arômes de cerises noires, de café torréfié, un boisé élégant, une bouche bien charnue, une fraîcheur et des tannins bien arrondis. Une jolie bouteille à prix très intéressant.
Un nez de sous-bois et de champignon avec un fruit net et franc, de la délicatesse dans les tanins et une certaine tenue en fin de bouche sur des notes de cacao. La matière est dense et la finale chocolatée. Il accompagne à merveille une épaule d'agneau confite.
Superbement situé sur l'une des plus belles croupes, Pey La Tour donne un vin profond, en particulier en vieilles vignes. Bénéficiant d'une équipe technique hors pair, il dépasse largement le cadre de sa modeste appellation. Une très belle affaire à acheter par 12.
Tannins à la fois souples et enveloppants, avec ce qu'il faut de fruits noirs autour, c'est déjà très bon à boire.
MEDAILLE D'OR
MEDAILLE D'ARGENT
Médaille d'Or.