Bordeaux, 2016. Chateau La Courolle

What most people don't realize is that less than 100 years ago, British merchants controlled most of the Bordeaux trade. It's hard to believe today, but back then the chateaux were so poor, they couldn't afford to bottle their own wines. So, they shipped them to England for bottling. Eventually, many of these merchants ended up purchasing the chateau they were selling.

Corney & Barrow, owners of La Courolle, is one of those merchants. They have been in business for nearly 250 years, but ownership means a very different thing here. The chateau is now run by the fourth generation of the Guimberteau family who are actually part of the ownership themselves. Obviously, not all of the merchants were dependable as often "other" wines may creep into a barrel sent from the chateau. Eventually, the chateaux began bottling themselves and proudly stated that on the label.

Courolle is in Montagne-Saint-Emilion, a satellite of Montagne-Saint Emilion. The vines here average 35 years of age, which means they are producing at the top of their potential. Our blend here is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Being on the right bank of Bordeaux meant that the climate was cooler and Cabernet couldn't ripen as easily there. All that has changed making these wines fuller and richer as our selection will attest. Coming from the exceptional 2016 vintage, Courolle displays all the dark fruits, earthiness and finesse we expect. The engaging flavors is backed up with firm tannins and a lilting vanilla extract. Only a classic like Boeuf Bourguignon will do.

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