On the occasion of  the 30th birthday of a family member, we felt it would be good to pull out something special from the wine cellar. I had brought two bottles of Chateau Siran back from a recent trip to Bordeaux... one bottle was already consumed, today was an appropriate day to uncork the other.

As is customary, the clan gathers around the dining room table for feasting and wine. They are always good times.

Wine: Chateau Siran - Margaux 1999

This fine wine is from one of the nicest Chateaux you can visit in the Bordeaux area. I had the pleasure to visit the Chateau in the Fall of 2004 and bring back two bottles of the 1999 Vintage in my luggage. This is one of the few Chateaux in Margaux that you can visit without prior appointment. They are set up to welcome visitors any time.

Chateau Siran has a rich pedigree, founded by Guilhem de Siran in the 1400s. The name first appears in records when Siran took an oath of allegiance to the Abbot of Sainte-Croix in the Church of Macau on September 14, 1428. In later times, the Chateau belonged to Count Alphonse de Toulouse-Lautrec Monfa. His great grandchild was famous painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.  The Miailhe family settled in Bordeaux in the 18th Century, became wine brokers, and bought the Chateau.

Of the estate's 300 acres, 100 acres are planted to vine, and there is also a 15 acre park. Their vineyard in the Labarde plateau was classified as a Second Growth in 1770.  Unfortunately, this rank was not included in the 1855 classification which is used today. The Miailhe family can eloquently argue that Siran should retain its proper rank in the current system. The predominant grape variety is Cabernet Sauvignon, with the other varieties amounting to 50% of production. They are Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Since 1980, Chateau Siran labels have been adorned with reproductions of famous works of art (Decaris, Folon, Miro). Our bottle has the image of the famous red marble "Drunken Bacchus" statue from the villa Hadriana.

Our bottle of 1999 was well balanced. Its dark color heralded the same intensity of aromas and flavors.  A smoky, spicy nose with red fruit. Supple tannins, silky smooth and aristocratic finish. This wine was a pleasure to enjoy for our special birthday celebration.

Links:	Chateau Siran
	My visit to Chateau Siran (photos coming soon)