Château Mouras, Graves 2008 Graves, Bordeaux, France

PRODUCER Jean-Christophe Barbe, Professor of Oenology at Bordeaux University, is mostly famous for his outstanding Sauternes (Decanter 2013 Sweet Bordeaux Trophy over £10), but also produces some stunning reds, albeit on a fairly small scale. The Château Mouras Graves comes from a six hectare property that lies in the Graves communes of Portets, Illats and Landiras. The Graves Supérieures is a sweet wine made from botrytised Semillon and is a superb alternative to Sauternes.

VINEYARDS Jean-Christophe has just six hectares of red grape varieties in the little communes of Portets, Illats et Landiras. The average age of the vines is 21 years old. Leaf plucking took place in July to ensure the fruit was fully exposed to the sunlight so that full ripening could take place. Jean-Christophe also carried out a green harvest before veraison to reduce yields and improve concentration.

VINTAGE Spring was wet and cool and as a result, there was risk of fungal diseases. Flowering was also affected by the low temperatures and decreased yields. Meticulous green harvesting was needed in the vineyards. The summer was also cool but thankfully it was dry in July, August was dreary. The grapes were saved at the end of August-September by an Indian summer and a drying north-east wind. The wines are ripe with refreshing acidity and are light and elegant in style rather than weighty and plump.

VINIFICATION The grapes were hand-picked then spent nearly four weeks on their skins at 28°C - 30°C. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation at 22°C. It was aged for 12 months in oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES Grape Varieties 50% Cabernet Sauvignon This wine has a lovely berry fruit on the nose and a supple texture 50% Merlot on the palate with the attractive mineral character that defines Winemaker Jean-Christophe Barbe the appellation of Graves. Dark fruit and spice dominate the mid- palate providing excellent depth that is supported by firm but ripe Closure Natural Cork tannins. ABV 13.5% Acidity 5.33g/L Wine pH 3.8 Notes Sustainable, Vegetarian, Vegan