In 2016 I visited Bordeaux during a study trip of the Dutch Wine Academy. In addition to epic nocturnal adventures, we also visited quite a few wineries where we held extensive tastings and where every day three course menus full of Foie gras were served. Read about my adventures in bed with Chateau Guiraud Sauternes here.
I brought some bottles home from that trip and recently I opened my bottle of Chateau Guibot 2012 La Fourvieille. What a party!
About Chateau Guibot
Chateau Guibot is part of Chateau Guibeau, connected since 1936 by a marriage between Henri Emile and Yvette. Today, the two Chateaus account for 45 hectares, 38 hectares in Puisseguin Saint-Emilion appellation and 7 hectares in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. The winery is now owned by Henri Emile’s granddaughter Brigitte and her husband Eric.
The soil consists partly of limestone-clay on stony ground and the other part is silt clay with limestone grit. Since 1993, the vineyard has been working with respect for nature, which led to the Organic certificate on the bottles in 2012. Grapes grown are Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.
Vinification
Each plot is vinified separately in thermally controlled cement vats. The wines are then aged for between 12 and 14 months in oak barrels. Elegance is the highest goal.
Chateau Guibot La Fourvieille 2012
For this bed session I tasted the Chateau Guibot La Fourvieille 2012, the first organic certified vintage of this house.
The wine is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, grown on a soil of clay and limestone on a stony ground. 1/3 of the wine has matured on new oak.
Well, after all this, I’m sure you’ll want to know what I thought of the wine. After all, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?
I gave the wine some air and when I stuck my nose into it, I was pleasantly surprised! Nice spiciness, berries, laurel, some pluminess. After the years in the bottle, the oak and the wine became good friends. It’s a firm glass, in colour, aroma and taste. On the palate berry, ripe fruit, sweet spiciness. Has withstood the touch of time and is ripe to drink. If only I had bought more bottles!
Combines well with meat, beef, lamb, game, you name it.
Read all about this winery here!
