Ahh, what a pleasure it is to escape the dreary confines of the current surroundings and head to beautiful Bordeaux for this evening’s wines. Well, mentally anyway. I’m tasting Domaine Du Seuil.
Background
Based in the southern end of Bordeaux’s Entre-Deux-Mers, on the right bank of the Garonne River, Nicola and Sean Allison’s Chateau Seuil is based in Cadillac Côtes De Bordeaux. The business was established in 1988 by Nicola’s parents and the estate has since also ventured over the river to the Graves. Being Bordeaux, the climate is maritime and the soil consists of gravel, limestone, clay and molasses. The average age of the vines is 30 years, the grapes are hand-harvested and the wines are organically made.
2017 Cadillac Côtes De Bordeaux
This is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend (akin to the left bank) with Merlot and a small amount of Cabernet Franc completing its composition. Ageing takes place in French oak for 12 months.
This has a deep ruby appearance and a medium nose. It has an element of graphite (presumably thanks to the Cabernet Franc) with dark fruits appearing quite dominant, as you’d expect with a cab-led blend. Also on the nose are notes of blackcurrant, black plum with demerara sugar, forest floor, clove, cedar and black pepper. There is also a hint of tomato stalk. In the mouth, there is prominent blackcurrant, vanilla, red cherry, mint and black pepper with the malolactics providing a slightly buttery character. Smooth, supple mouthfeel. Medium plus acidity, powdery tannins and a medium plus body with a medium finish. Initially slightly closed, it benefited from being decanted for 20/30 minutes.
Score: 2.75/4
2019 Bordeaux Blanc
This is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon with the emphasis on the latter, which provides 80% of the blend. Some barrel fermentation takes place.
This is awfully nice! The Semillon’s character takes centre stage, providing softness and a rounded profile. It has a pale lemon appearance and the nose is strongly floral with tinned peaches and cream, red apple, tangerine and cut grass following through. In the mouth, there is lemon juice, crisp green apple, pineapple, mango, grapefruit, milk and salt. The length is good, I’d say medium plus with a medium body. I think good old fish and chips would be perfect with this or even paella. It’s got summer written all over it but I’m more than happy to drink it now!
Score: 3.25/4
In summary, I enjoyed both wines with the white having the edge. I thought the balance between the Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon was well judged and it had good structure, thanks in part to the barrel fermentation.
Despite Cabernet Franc contributing only 5% of the blend in the red, I felt it made its presence known and the wine was all the better for it. A hearty dish, such as pasticcio, would work wonders alongside this wine. It’s perfectly suited to the time of year. When the skies turn dark, drink something darker!
These wines are available from Fine Wines Direct (Cardiff):
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Tasting Notes & Tracklists 