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2001 Valmengaux Bordeaux Supérieur
By perryd | December 23, 2007
Bordeaux Supérieur wines are always a gamble. In terms of classification, the label simply means that the wine comes from somewhere in the Gironde region and has met minimal requirements for wines that carry the AOC Bordeaux Supérieur name. It’s generally table wine, meant to be drunk within a few years of bottling.
The great thing about these generic wines is that you sometimes can find incredible bargains. Valmengaux is on a tiny plot of land, about 7 acres, near Fronsac, and is planted primarily in Merlot. The children of the owner of garage-wine producer Pierre Ferrand (at Ferrand-Lartique) run Valmengaux and seem to have the same devotion to quality as their father. The 2001 Valmengaux is an exceptional wine for a generic…a full, fruity flavor with a strong undertone of black cherry, excellent balance, and a long finish. It’s a clean, silky Merlot backed by around10% Cabernet Franc for earthiness and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure.
Although production is limited to just a few thousand cases, you can still find Valmengaux in several vintages at Wine Commune. The 2001 sells for around $15, while newer vintages are running closer to $20. One wonders if Stephan Derencourt, who consults at Ferrand-Lartique, pops in now and then at Valmengaux for a chat. Certainly the quality would suggest it!
Topics: Wine |