JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BARBE `Les Graves de Mahon-Laville` Graves 2007 Producer did his thesis on .pourriture noble., or noble rot, the botrytis that make Sauternes so special. Today, he instructs the youth of Bordeaux in winemaking while running the family property, Château Laville, in Sauternes. Château Delmond is the second wine of Château Laville. Jean-Christophe also has some red varieties planted at Laville, which are used to produce the excellent value Château Mahon-Laville. Château Mouras is from his other family vineyard in the Graves. Vineyards Jean-Christophe has 1.3 hectares of red grape varieties at Laville on a plot of land called Mahon, with an additional 2.5 hectares which qualify for Graves AOC. Soils are predominantly sand and gravel, with a vine age of 40 years. Vinification The grapes are hand-harvested before a pre-fermentation cold maceration for 5 days. The fermentation takes place in steel tanks at a temperature of 28 to 30 degrees, over 3-4 weeks. Malo-lactic takes place in tank before 15 months ageing in barriques. Tasting Notes Deep purple colour with concentrated plum and spice from the Merlot fruit, and minerality typical of this region. Powerful but smooth palate with the Cabernet Sauvignon adding firm tannins and fine structure to the finish. Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £155.40 (Including VAT at 20%)