Jancis Robinson (2006)16.5 pts
Tasted May 2012 - Very dark crimson. Warmth and richness and excitement on the nose. Like a good St-Émilion. Lots of life. GV
Price:
£12.96 | Case Rate: £12.00
Ex Tax: £10.80
Ex Tax: £10.80
Ch. La Grande Maye - La Grand Maye 2009
Information
- Country: France
- Wine Region: Bordeaux
- Wine Area: Côtes de Castillon
- Wine Maker: Paul and Cedric Valade
- Grape: Merlot Blend
- Grape Percentage: 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc
- Alcohol Percentage: 13%
- Unit Quantity (ml): 750
- Best To Drink: Drink Now - 2014
JR: 16.5 (2006)
Wine tasting notes
Undoubtedly one of if not the best value wines from 2009, Paul and Cedric Valade continue to make wonderful Cote de Castillon and the 2009 is probably their best effort to date. Sadly, yields are low due to hail damage in May, but the crop that was harvested boasts considerable power, complexity and class. The bouquet offers a heady mix of cool black cherry liqueur, blackcurrants, minerals, liquorice and tar. The attack is pure, seamless and with wave after wave of cassis. This has a beautiful texture; so silky and refined. A splendid vintage for Grande Maye.
Winery Information
Ch. La Grande Maye
Situated in the Côtes de Castillon, where the terroir is similar to the higher vineyards of St Emilion, Ch. La Grande Maye reminds you that Bordeaux is not just about astronomically priced classed growths. The average age of vines on this 18 hectare Estate is 30 years and consist preD.inantly of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The final blend spends a year in 1/3 new oak barrels and with its ripeness of fruit, grainy texture and complexity offers a value for money the rest of the world would be.. read more
Expert Reviews
Miscellaneous ()
Fiona Beckett, The Guardian Oct 2012 - "One of the most useful bits of knowledge in the wine world is knowing where regional boundaries are – especially when it comes to France. What you want to look out for is a minor appellation that abuts a more famous one – in other words, one that's undervalued. A classic example is Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux (formerly Côtes de Castillon). This borders Saint-Émilion, which includes world-famous chateaux such as Angélus and Pavie, and which recently went through a largely incomprehensible reclassification of principal interest to investors and Bordeaux-watchers. ....It's the same with Château La Grand Maye, a father-and-son operation that's run out of a shed-like cellar rather than a vast chateau. Their lush, plummy Côtes de Castillon 2009 (12.5% abv) is currently ....£11.88 a bottle..."
Vinification Notes
The average age of vines on this 18 hectare Estate is 30 years and consist predominantly of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The final blend spends a year in 1/3 new oak barrels