2005 Valentons Canteloup, Bordeaux Supérieur

The Chateau Des Valentons Canteloup is in the commune of St. Loubes just across the Dordogne west of Libourne and south of Fronsac and about 9 miles east of the city of Bordeaux. The estate has been in the Meynard family since 1916 and is planted to 65 % Merlot with 20% Cabernet sauvignon and 15 % Cabernet Franc. Yields are limited to an average of 58hl per hectare by green harvest. The soil is clay and silt on iron rich alluvial gravel subsoil. The grapes are hand harvested, hand sorted and destemmed before a maceration of 25 to 45 days with some bleeding to concentrate the red and make some rose. Fermentation is in stainless steel and some oak is used in the maturing of the wine. The wine has a nice, expressive nose with elegant notes of red flowers. On the palate, it is a supple medium bodied wine with nice balance and a lovely roundness from the Merlot and a bit of structure from the cabernets. This is a great wine for the table and is priced for everyday enjoyment. This is real honest wine and a pleasure to drink. It will go well with red meats and hard cheeses. You can enjoy it now or put it in the cellar for another 3 to 5 years