Wine of the Month - December 2020

This month's selection:

• 1 x Château Goubau 2015, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, NR
• 1 x L'Hêtre 2017, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, NR
• 1 x Château Nenin 2013, Pomerol, 88 pts
• 1 x Château Troplong Mondot 2006, Saint-Emilion, 93 pts

Tasting Notes

L'Hêtre 2017 - Tasting note on L'Hêtre 2016: "Rich in blackcurrant fruit with a savoury dark glow to make it more than just fruit. Just a touch of smoky char even though the oak is well in the background, a seductive fruit sweetness. On the palate, this is beautifully balanced, the alcohol perfectly integrated in the tannic structure and fruit core with a fresh tang that runs through the middle. There's a cool fluidity to it even with its depth and length. Fine, dry, lingering and savoury aftertaste. Impressive first vintage with a promising future in the bottle. I opened this on a Sunday evening and it was still tasting fresh and vibrant four days later. This is a very classy wine, and the tannins tell you everything: fine, definite, building in the mouth but in perfect balance with the fruit and freshness. Blue-blooded Castillon. Catch it while you can." - Julia Harding MW Not rated

Château Nenin 2013 - "A good effort from Chateau Nenin, which is owned by the proprietor of the well-known St.-Julien estate, Chateau Leoville Las Cases, the 2013 Nenin is a blend of 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc made from tiny yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare. The natural alcohol came in 13.3%. The wine exhibits pleasant notes of black currants, black cherries and mocha in its fruity, medium-bodied, well-balanced personality. No serious tannins interfere with its enjoyment." - Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate (8/27/2014, Issue 214), Ratings: 87-88, Drink: 2017-2026

Château Troplong Mondot 2006 - "It could be easy, after tasting the monumental 2005, to dismiss the 2006 Troplong Mondot, but don’t be so foolish. Proprietress Christine Valette has turned out another exceptional performance. Of course, this is not the 2005- a singular vintage that will be difficult to duplicate in a 20-30 year span, but the 2006 Troplong Mondot is an impressive, powerful, broad, surprisingly masculine and deep effort. Its inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by an exceptional bouquet of powdered rock, blackberries, blueberries, spring flowers, and hints of camphor as well as espresso roast. The wine is full-bodied with a layered, multidimensional texture, sensational purity and structure, and elevated levels of tannin, concentration, and richness. Forget it for 7-8 years, and drink it over the following 20-25 years." - Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate (2/24/2009, Issue 181), Ratings: 93, Drink: 2016-2041