Dourthe : Essence de Dourthe 2014

The intensity and complexity of Bordeaux wine by Dourthe

The estate

Established in 1840 by Pierre Dourthe, Maison Dourthe has over the years become a benchmark among Bordeaux wine producers. The House owns 9 estates and manages more than 500 hectares of vines in Bordeaux.

The vineyard

Essence de Dourthe 2014 is a Bordeaux wine made from 14 hectares of carefully selected vines. The vineyards producing this cuvée (Château Belgrave, Château Le Boscq, Château La Garde and Chateau Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac) are from four of the nine châteaux belonging to the Maison Dourthe. Its blend is the result of the combination of grape varieties planted on its great terroirs of gravel and clay.

The wine

Since its creation in 2000, Essence de Dourthe has been intended as a rare wine from exceptional terroirs. Each vine is given specific care to ensure the best grape quality. To meet this high standard, this wine is only made in exceptional years. 2014 is the 10th vintage of this Essence de Dourthe.

The vintage

Although the 2014 vintage began with ideal weather conditions, the grey summer slowed down the growth cycle. The mild weather from the end of August and during the following weeks however was ideal for refining the ripening of the grapes until the harvest.

Winemaking and ageing

After careful harvesting in several successive waves, the grapes were pressed. The juice obtained was then subjected to a pre-fermentation cold maceration. For certain batches, the entire vinification was done in barrels. Each batch is matured in their respective cellars for 12 months. Finally, the final blend was aged in one-wine barrels for 10-12 months in the Maison Dourthe cellars.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (68%)
Merlot (28%)
Petit verdot (4%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Essence de Dourthe 2014

Tasting

Colour
This red wine has a deep red colour with bright ruby highlights.

Nose
The nose is intense, releasing ripe fruit scents mingled with spice and sandalwood.

Palate
Full and dense, the palate is silky from the attack. It unveils then delicious and refreshing blackcurrant and black cherry notes mingled with sweet spice touches. The palate is enveloping and enticing with fine tannins up to the aromatic and lingering finish.