Château Mouras, Graves 2015 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. 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 2015 saw particularly healthy, uniform fruit at harvest. A generous flowering and hot, dry early summer was followed by a slightly cooler, damper August. Harvest was generally earlier than in 2014.

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 lovely berry fruit on the nose and a supple texture on the palate with the attractive mineral character that defines the appellation of Graves. Dark fruit and spice dominate the mid- palate providing excellent depth that is supported by firm but ripe Grape Varieties 50% Merlot tannins. 25% Petit Verdot 25% Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker Jean-Christophe Barbe Closure Natural Cork ABV 13.5% Residual Sugar 2g/L Acidity 4.45g/L Wine pH 3.9 Bottle Sizes 75cl Notes Vegetarian, Vegan