93 points Robert Parker
From Limoux, Domaine de Baron'Arques, owned by Château Mouton Rothschild , is produced from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Malbec.
With a smooth and velvety attack, the palate reveals elegant and refined tannins associated with a sensation of density and fullness in the mouth. Notes of toasted bread, cocoa, vanilla and cedar wood combine with aromas of wild berries in a long and delicious finish.
Baron Philippe de Rothschild
LIMOUX-LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON AOC
An unusual blend that represents the union of the main grape varieties of Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley.
It also represents the new era of viticulture and winemaking - a time when winemakers have a variety of grape varieties at their disposal and are not limited to those traditionally grown (and approved) in their region.
Domaine Baron'Arques has 103 hectares of which 48 hectares are planted with vines. It is located in the municipality of Saint-Polycarpe in the terroir of Haute-Vallée (the highest and coolest in Limoux), at the crossroads of the Mediterranean terroir (hot and dry) and the terroir of Autan (hot and humid).
It thus benefits from the influence of these three Limoux soils, which is an asset to the wine's complexity.
The vines are made up of 70% Atlantic and 30% Mediterranean varieties.
The grapes are hand-picked into small 12-kilogram boxes, as at Château Mouton Rothschild.
The separation takes place above the wine tank, and thus uses gravity in order to comply as much as possible with the integrity of the fruit.
After a delicate éraflage and gentle crushing, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks.
Fermentation lasts 8 days at a temperature of around 30°C. It is followed by a maceration of two to four weeks, depending on the tanks and varieties.
After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels (30 to 50% new, depending on the year), and in barrels that are one or two years old.
The wine is bottled on the property.
Harvest: 2010
Alcohol: 15%
Volume: 750ml
Region: Languedoc - Roussillon - Limoux
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Franc
Side dish: Meat, fish, in aperitif
Country: France
color: Red