2009 La Gatte "Tradition" Bordeaux Rouge

Shrouded in history—the Château was originally built for the Marquis de La Tour du Pin’s mistress, but was best known as a Maison de Prostitution until it was shut down by the local police in 1979—the wines of Château La Gatte remain one of Bordeaux’s best kept Right Bank secrets. Located on the 45th Parallel in the village of Saint André de Cubzac, at the far western edge of the Right Bank, La Gatte’s soils are rich in limestone with a high natural pH that make them well-suited to growing low-yielding Merlot vines. The meandering Dordogne river is just 800 yards away, far enough where the soil isn’t marshy or damp, but close enough to benefit from the perpetual breeze off the water, which retards rot and keeps mildew at bay. The vineyard’s terroir contribute to the wine’s minerally, floral bouquet, balanced texture and longer finish by allowing the grapes to mature slowly and evenly.