Chateau d'Agassac - Haut Medoc Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnelle, Bordeaux, France (2011)

TASTING NOTES

Under the radar value alert! Hitting its stride with 12 years of age, this wine is still fairly "youthful" with a delicate, very expressive and well-characterized bouquet (blackcurrant and blackberry with a fresher note of pepper) on a fleshy, powerful and solidly constructed palate. The finish with fine tannins demonstrates well-controlled extraction.

One of only 14 chateaux in Bordeaux to achieve the highest level of the cru bourgeois classification system. The highest classification is based on a blind tasting of five vintages overseen by an independent body; the technical management of the vineyard; and the marketing and promotion of the property.

The classification largely captures stunning value amongst lesser known houses (and thereby lesser traded "commodities") of the region.  A fairytale, Disney-esque chateau setting provides a window into the level the new ownership team is seeking to emulate. A fabulous wine.