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Wine Notebook, Part 33 (December 1st, 2007)
by the Wine Baron
The family and I had lots to
celebrate today - a family birthday, a new apartment, a
passed test, a new business, and more. So there we were
in the dining room opening a new bottle to toast the
occasions. I had been to see Nick at the
Mississauga Vintages store to help me select a nice
Bordeaux
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The choice was a $35 Margaux:
Chateau Desmirail Margaux 2003 -
Grand Cru Classe (3rd Growth):
The moment we opened
the bottle, we knew we were in the presence of
greatness. The dark color and very mature bouquet
revealed a lot in the first few seconds! Being 61%
Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Merlot, the distinct cassis
was the first aroma and flavor to hit the palate,
followed by raspberry, plum jam, chocolate and cedar. As
the layers slowly unfolded, a dusty earthy quality
and other fruity, floral nuances developed. The wine is
big and amazingly balanced. The tannins are firm and
silky.
Denis Lurton took over the management of the
Chateau in 1992 from his father, Lucien. Father and son
have put a considerable stamp of competent winemaking in
this property. The terrior is of well-drained gravel
with some clay. The Gironde Estuary provides
moderation to the climate.
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