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We will be taking your orders for the 2008 Château Robin, the glorious Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux to the LCBO on Friday, July 22nd.
Château Robin is a very old estate that was mentioned in the third edition of Guide Féret in 1874. Purchased by Jérôme’s parents, Laurence and Jean Caillé in 2003, the property has twelve and a half hectares under production in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, right beside St-Emilion in the fabled Bordeaux region. Jérôme’s easy-drinking, delicious wines have been awarded countless gold medals and wine press citations.
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The Caillé family - Alexandra, Luana, Théa, Jérôme and Tom
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Côtes de Castillon
Robert M. Parker, Jr., has this to say about the Côtes de Castillon (now renamed Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux) in the fourth edition of his book ‘Bordeaux’ –“Now the most fashionable of the satellite appellations (of Bordeaux), the Côtes de Castillon is a hotbed of activity as well as a fertile breeding ground for a bevy of overachievers. Located east of Puisseguin-St-Emilion approximately 25 miles from Bordeaux, the appellation is named after the commune called Castillon-La-Bataille, which commemorates the Battle of Castillon. This 1453 battle marked the conclusion of the Hundred Years’ War when the English Commander, Talbot, died during the defeat of his army. As one of the older wine making regions in the area, viticultural practices can be traced to Roman times. Appellation status was awarded in 1955 and there has been significantly more interest expressed in the wines as an alternative to the wines of St-Emilion.”
In fact, when he was here hosting some wine dinners, Jérôme would have his guests compare Château Robin with a Grand Cru St-Emilion of the same vintage costing four times as much. The guests unanimously preferred the Château Robin!
The 2008 Vintage in Bordeaux
Here is what Robert Parker reported in his February 2011 edition of the ‘Wine Advocate’, “2008 came out at low prices and the top wines have soared in value. However, most 2008s remain somewhat forgotten and under-valued vis à vis the two subsequent vintages. These are classic and outstanding wines that represent excellent value. 2008 is an exceptionally strong vintage in Pomerol and St.-Emilion as well as Graves.”
James Molesworth, Wine Spectator – 2008 Ch. Robin
In the February 18, 2011 edition of the ‘Wine Spectator’, James Molesworth selected his 21 top-value Bordeaux of the vintage. Only one, the St-Émilion Château Corbin was rated higher than Château Robin. Here’s what was said about our wine, “Frank and harmonious, this red shows purity in a modest package. Black cherry, licorice, and graphite notes mingle over well-integrated tannins, balanced by fresh acidity. Not showy, but leaves you wanting another sip. Drink now through 2015. 3,900 cases made – 89/100.”
The 2008 Château Robin – 13.5% Alc./Vol. $29/$174 for 6
This lovely, elegant and round wine is made from 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were hand-picked, hand-sorted and destemmed and came from vines with an average age of over 40 years. The juice went through a fairly complex aging process with 19% spending a year in one year old oak barrels, 25% spending two years in two year old oak barrels and the remainder in concrete tanks. The barrels are 87% American and the rest French.
Here’s a real treat – a video of a renowned wine expert tasting the 2008 Château Robin! Andreas Larsson was recognized as the ‘2007 Best Sommelier of the World’ by the Association de la Sommelerie Internationale. Here is what he had to say about it! And, I certainly couldn’t have put it better myself!
This is a truly terrific Bordeaux at a most reasonable price. Try some for yourself.
The 2002 Château Robin comes in convenient six-bottle cases (but you’ll wish you had more)!!
Note: these prices include a $1 handling fee.
Soon to Emerge from Arthur’s Cellar
Our next featured wines will be the glorious whites and lively fizzes from Château Rives-Blanques. After that will come splendid Southern Rhône from Domaine de la Gramière followed by the highly rated 2009 Châteauneuf du Pape from Domaine Roger Sabon.
Know any lovers of superb, very well priced Bordeaux? If so, we would greatly appreciate it if you would pass this bulletin on to them.
Many thanks and cheers,
Jim and Hélène
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
hbuisson@ofrance.ca
www.arthursellers.com