Château Mouras, 2010 Graves, ,

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, and . 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 thinning 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 Harvest was late due to a bitterly cold winter and yields were lower than average, thanks to torrential rains during grape flowering and then drought conditions thereafter. Perfect ripeness was reached however, thanks to exceptional climatic conditions in September and October.The wines are massive yet fresher than their 2009 counterparts due to cooler temperatures.

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 then aged for 12 months in oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES This wine has a lovely berry fruit on the nose and a supple texture Grape Varieties 50% Cabernet Sauvignon on the palate with the attractive mineral character that defines 50% Merlot the appellation of Graves. Dark fruit and spice dominate the mid- Winemaker Jean-Christophe Barbe palate providing excellent depth that is supported by firm but ripe tannins. Closure Natural Cork ABV 14% Acidity 4.6g/L Wine pH 3.7 Bottle Sizes 75cl Notes Sustainable, Vegetarian, Vegan