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Cuvée
des Voleurs
Varietal/Style: Bordeaux blend
Origin: York Mountain / San Luis Obispo
County
Vintage: MV
Winemaker: John Munch (Le
Cuvier Winery)
Rating: N/A
Retail Price: $42 SOLD
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Alain Gayot in the Lone Madrone vineyard
(1,500 feet)
with the Pacific Ocean in the background
"Dark
and very extracted in color, this Bordeaux style blend
shows deep black cherry aromas coupled with vanilla.
In the mouth, this is a big-impact, broad-shouldered
wine that shows plenty of dark fruits, including black
cherry, blackberry and blueberry, but at the same time
is so supple and smooth that it literally glides across
the palate. Interestingly enough, while different grape
varietals are often blended together (in this case,
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc), it is unusual
to see a blend that crosses vintage lines. This is very
much a testament to the winemaker's blending skills,
as he assembled various barrel lots from 1995/1996/1997
to achieve a sum that is greater that its separate parts.
The other serendipitous consequence of this situation
is that the winemaker has already done the aging for
you. No need to lay this wine down for five or ten years
(though you could); its breeding shows very well now,
all the way through to the soft and silky finish."
Dennis
Schaefer, wine columnist, Santa Barbara News Press
"A
deep dark garnet color, this wine gives forth intense
black cherry and vanilla aromas with a slightly gamy
quality -- a hint of Bacchus around the corner. While
this hint blows off within a minute, the reference is
apt. Once in the mouth, the pagan element runs wild.
Dripping with ripe black cherry juice and sweet oak,
the concentration of flavor is irreverently raucous,
and finishes long with cherry and strawberry.
In these days of too-precious California Cabernet, this
one grabs Dion by the horns. Smooth and rich with baby-back
ribs, osso bucco, lamb stew... or whatever you’re serving
at the next party."
Elaine Smith www.wineupdate.com
"John
Munch of Le
Cuvier, formerly the winemaker for the renowned
Adelaida wines, has produced a charming, multi-vintage
Bordeaux blend for Chateau Gayot's debut release. The
MV Cuvée des Voleurs, York Mountain, San Luis Obispo
County (16), lovely, dark ruby in color, is a very attractive
blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from
the vintages of 1995, 1996 and 1997. The skilled hand
of John Munch is evident in each sip of this elegant,
round, balanced and eminently drinkable wine, showing
degrees of richness and complexity. The pepper-, spice-
and earth-accented fruit, redolent of black cherries
and blackberries, nuanced with chocolate, sweet oak
and vanilla offers a delicious mouthful, ending in a
lingering, expansive finish. Delightful now, with soft,
ripe, balanced tannins, the wine will complement meat
and poultry dishes, cheese and chocolate desserts. A
year or two of cellaring will only enhance, adding to
the richness and complexity."
Christine Graham www.winemouse.com
"Alain
Gayot, of the Gayot restaurant and best-of books family,
is now producing wines in Santa Barbara. "When
I was a kid I learned the art of cider making,"
he says. "But I never liked the apple juice. I
like grapes." Cuvée des Voleurs, his multi-vintage
cabernet franc-cabernet sauvignon blend, makes that
clear. As does a new sparkler, Cuvée des Etoiles
[...]. Next up? "Olive oil and tea."
Kudos
from Los Angeles magazine
Tasting
by the San Luis Obispo, California chapter of The American
Wine Society
Listing
as North American red on menu of Linq Restaurant in
Los Angeles
***
Other
Chateau Gayot wines
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