Domaine La Tuque Bel-Air Castillon Cotes De Bordeaux

Pierre's vineyards are certified High Environmental Value (HEV) Level 3 - a French Government standard that focuses on overall farm standards, beyond whats required for "organic" certification. For a long time the wines of Cotes de Castillon were only used to enhance Saint-Emilion blending in poor years. But in the 1970's, local wine growers made serious efforts to improve quality and in just a few years, Castillon has become a serious competitor in the region.

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

La Tuque Bel Air is made up of 90% merlot, the remainder being Cabernet Sauvignon, it is aged in oak barrels for 12 months which soften the characteristic tannin of the region.

Deep colour, dark fruit aromas and flavours. Intense flavours and soft tannins. A lovely example of Right Bank Bordeaux - from Castillon to the immediate East of St Emilion, on the same escarpment. This is an elegant and mineral wine that can be kept in the cellar for up to 5 years.
This is great with pork chops, pan fried duck breast, mushrooms and mature cheeses.

Nolan - I have recently been on a bit of Bordeaux rediscovery trip. I have a love and hate relationship with this region. I love the flavours of the wines, the balance of acid, the restrained fruit and the savoury edge. I hate the mercantile beurocracy, the suits, boots and greased palms.
The Medoc is home to these mercantile wine makers who have never held a pair of secateurs. Move over to the right bank, outside the prime estates of Pomerol and Saint Emillion, and you will find "Chateau" owners - (glorified or even just basic farm houses at best) - who are actual growers and vignerons with dirt under their fingernails. Look for areas like this, the Cotes de Castillon or one my other favourites Bourg, and I promise you will be surprised. I'd encourage you to spend the £20-£25 you'd spend on a basic and let's face it, bang average, Saint Emillion and spend it on a wine from one of these regions and I promise you you will be suprised. Save the Saint Emillion/Pomerol for Christmas and spend £30+, have it as a treat. Drink the Cotes with your Sunday roast week in week out.
So, what do we have here? Plump juicy merlot with a touch of Cab Sav. There is a sweetness of fruit that combined with the acidity gives the impression of oozing, ripe plums and tart raspberry. An irony earthiness gives a uniqueness that stops the wine from ever becoming dull. "More?" the bottle calls to me, well ok then if I must..."Mark stop hogging the bottle and pass it here!"