Chateau Gracia, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2011

Merlot 75%
Cabernet Franc 20%
Cabernet Sauvignon 5%

Chateau Gracia- the original garagiste winery from Bordeaux! Located in the charming town of St. Emilion, the winery has land on a 4.4-acre parcel and produces nearly 550 cases of wine in a good vintage. The wines are known for being lush and concentrated, and have been continuously well-received in the industry. The chateau is owned by Michel Gracia, a St. Emilion local, who is also a well-established contractor and stone mason that has built prestigious estates including Cheval Blanc, Petrus, and many more. Because of their extremely low yields, the wines of Chateau Gracia require attention to detail and great effort during winemaking, but the final product is considered a masterpiece.

This estate consistently turns out some of the greatest wines of St.-Emilion. Michel Gracia obviously learned a lot from his close friend Alain Vauthier at Ausone. The 2012 Gracia has an opaque bluish/black color and a gorgeous nose of blueberry liqueur intermixed with blackberry, incense, graphite and spice. Medium-bodied and super-concentrated, with well-integrated acidity, tannin and alcohol, this is a big, rich, profound 2012 to drink over the next two decades. Patience might be warranted to sit on it for 4-5 years prior to pulling corks. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035.

Robert Parker 95