{"id":32928,"date":"2017-07-05T07:08:21","date_gmt":"2017-07-05T11:08:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/?p=32928"},"modified":"2017-07-05T09:23:55","modified_gmt":"2017-07-05T13:23:55","slug":"dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/","title":{"rendered":"Tasting Across Time and Terroir: The 9 Bordeaux Wine Appellations of Dourthe"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_8djtpeUi0s\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Recently, Canada&#8217;s top wine writers and sommeliers gathered in the nation&#8217;s capital for a Dourthe portfolio tasting with Head Winemaker, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous.<\/p>\n<p>Established in 1840, Dourthe is recognized as a leader\u00a0in the Bordeaux of France, with a particular passion for\u00a0the various soil types and the wines best suited to them.<\/p>\n<p>The nine estates that comprise\u00a0Dourthe all focus on the unique character of their\u00a0respective appellations. Here are the team&#8217;s notes and impressions.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/dourthe-tasting-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-34447\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-34447\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Dourthe-tasting.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"181\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Dourthe-tasting.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Dourthe-tasting-300x86.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Jennifer-Macdonald.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-25737\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Jennifer-Macdonald.jpg\" alt=\"Jennifer Macdonald\" width=\"159\" height=\"166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Jennifer-Macdonald.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Jennifer-Macdonald-288x300.jpg 288w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 159px) 100vw, 159px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Jennifer MacDonald Havers<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Wine Columnist, Ottawa Citizen<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>What an honour to meet head winemaker, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous, and to learn about the various ch\u00e2teaux of Dourthe in Bordeaux. We were given a wonderful overview of the Dourthe portfolio, as well as a nice lesson on their different Bordeaux domains and the diversity of wine styles found across the region.<\/p>\n<p>As we worked through their offering of wines, we are given an overview of the properties of each vineyard. One such Ch\u00e2teau Ricaud, was built in the 15th century and is situated in a natural amphitheatre of clay and limestone-sloped land. Here, primarily Merlot is planted, along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Resulting wines are aromatic and full of body and flavour.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-33358\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Map.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"471\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Map.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Map-300x221.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Across all sites and ch\u00e2teaux, we also learned of the history of the region. Dourthe&#8217;s experience shows through in the knowledge of the individual vineyard sites, each tailored specifically to certain grapes to magnify their potential and produce the best possible wine for that micro-climate and terroir.\u00a0 Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric spoke about this site-specific planting when we talked about Ch\u00e2teau La Garde in Pessac-L\u00e9ognan.<\/p>\n<p>We tried three different wines from this site to demonstrate the diversity found in such a small area. Within the 60-hectare property, all the various soils of Bordeaux can be found, including sand, clay, limestone, and gravel mixed with clay, all suiting a specific grape and bringing a certain characteristic to the wine.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/dourthe-grapes\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33352\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-33352\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Grapes.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"629\" height=\"466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Grapes.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Grapes-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 629px) 100vw, 629px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>In some ch\u00e2teaux, plantings have changed through the years in order to emphasize certain flavours, or to take advantage of site specific soil. For instance, in Ch\u00e2teau La Boscq, mainly red grapes are planted on this small property with gravel and clay soils. The resulting wine, classified in 2012 as Cru Bourgeois, blends Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, we had the privilege to try Essence de Dourthe \u2013 the \u201ccarte blanche\u201d wine \u2013 where no expense is spared. The Dourthe team approached the making of this wine in the spirit of a Super Tuscan; this \u201cSuper Bordeaux\u201d wine epitomizes the qualities of the terroir of the entire region. All vineyard sites are considered, and the winemaking team identifies the best of the best wines from all areas for consideration to be included in the blend.<\/p>\n<p>After extensive tasting, the best blend is created. It\u2019s not made each year, and some exceptional wines are not used as they may not fit the blend itself, but the resulting wine created is the top tier of what all the ch\u00e2teaux of Dourthe have to offer \u2013 hence, the \u201cEssence\u201d of Dourthe.<\/p>\n<p>It was such a joy to try this wine, and to hear the story of how it is created.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y-7ubF5Poo8\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/dourthe-la-terrasse-de-la-garde-2007\/79279\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33497 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33497\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-La-Garde-2010.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"62\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/dourthe-la-terrasse-de-la-garde-2007\/79279\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Dourthe La Terrasse De La Garde 2007<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nBordeaux, France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/?attachment_id=33322\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33322\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-33322\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andy-Bernardo-1-300x264.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"183\" height=\"161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andy-Bernardo-1-300x264.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andy-Bernardo-1-768x677.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andy-Bernardo-1.jpg 938w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 183px) 100vw, 183px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Andrew Bernardo<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Editor, Ottawa Wine Journal<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This scenic tasting at the top of the Andaz Hotel in the Copper Lounge was expertly led and supported, and the food was, as always, exceptionally paired.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/ottawa-view\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-34449\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-34449\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Ottawa-view.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"328\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Ottawa-view.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Ottawa-view-300x156.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>There were truly no open frames left bowled in this incredible tasting from Dourthe, just terrific strikes. These gems showed an incredible dedication to appellation and varietal authenticity. Although I am well aware of the wines of this French powerhouse, I was truly amazed by the extent of their holdings in virtually every appellation in Bordeaux.<\/p>\n<p>Whether it was Right Bank, Left Bank, or \u201call over\u201d, as represented by the famed \u201cEssence de Dourthe\u201d, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous, has seemed to have honed in on every parcel, every vine and where it is rooted, to determine how he is going to best represent the terroir in every step of the winemaking process.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/ab\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33933\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-33933\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/AB--576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"343\" height=\"610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/AB--576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/AB--169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/AB-.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 343px) 100vw, 343px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Andrew Bernardo<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps more importantly, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric has laid his ears to his vines, and how they respond to the climactic conditions that positively contributed to or challenged each respective vintage. For many Bordeaux collectors like myself, some of these wines allowed us to peer into the vintage far before we are ready to open up our own bottles, yet others encourage us to seek out non-hyped vintages to sources of terrific value.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/ab-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33935\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-33935\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/AB-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"627\" height=\"379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/AB-2.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/AB-2-300x181.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 627px) 100vw, 627px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Andrew Bernardo<\/p>\n<p>The three standout wines were the Ch\u00e2teau La Garde 2010, Pessac-L\u00e9ognan,\u00a0 the Ch\u00e2teau Belgrave 2010, Haut-M\u00e9doc, and the Ch\u00e2teau Rahoul Alain Thi\u00e9not 2012 from Graves. All showed immense power packed on to taut, muscular frames, yet all had their own distinct varietal character depending on the blends and the sites.<\/p>\n<p>They are \u201cBordeaux-drinkers\u201d wines that make you realize that despite increasingly steep prices, especially in the First and Second Growths, it is still worth it to pack a few in your cellar and wait for the rewards.<\/p>\n<p>Of particular note, not one of these wines showed an over-use of wood, even at the more value-driven price points or in leaner years. Bonnafou hinted at this more than once during the tasting, but it is worth reinforcing the point that a winemaker runs a significant risk of masking a wine\u2019s terroir by exposing it to too much oak.<\/p>\n<p>The result is an incredible focus on the freshness and acidity of the fruit, supported by secondary and tertiary characteristics, rather than oak-driven wines putting vanilla and charred characteristics front and center.<\/p>\n<p>Overall this tasting was memorable, with Bonnafou\u2019s passion coming through in his descriptions of each wine. Many of the tasters were checking the availability of many of the wines at the LCBO and SAQ while tasting \u2013 always a good sign if you ask me.<\/p>\n<p>A true oenophile can never quite get away from Bordeaux, and Dourthe has shown why.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/ab-4\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33937\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33937\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/AB-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/AB-4.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/AB-4-300x174.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Andrew Bernardo<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ktwQwxMC19M\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-la-garde-2010\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33497\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33497\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-La-Garde-2010.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"62\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-la-garde-2010\/203679\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ch\u00e2teau La Garde 2010<\/strong> <\/a><br \/>\nPessac-L\u00e9ognan, Bordeaux A.C., France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/images\/users\/user_5c6919130d7c214f8645c1bf477eb4cb797bba54.jpg\" alt=\"Profile\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cora Beaulieu<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Wine &amp; Travel Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The buzz had been circulating and I, as a wine writer, was elated to have been given the invite to this excellent Bordeaux tasting put on by host Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnafous, Director of Dourthe Estates.<\/p>\n<p>By a happy coincidence, I had been to Bordeaux wine country the summer of 2016. This part of the country combines a pleasant climate and gently rolling countryside, ideal for summer vacationers and a leading destination for wine lovers.<\/p>\n<p>Its unique location has influences of the Atlantic maritime climate, a terroir consisting of rocky mounds of gravel, mineral rich soils and gravel with a subsoil of clay which help to impart the unique taste, character, and style found in most Bordeaux wines.<\/p>\n<p>As such, Bordeaux wines are unique and have one of the most copied blends around the world; typically a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec (with a tiny amount of Carm\u00e9n\u00e8re).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/dourthe-vineyard\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33354\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33354\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Vineyard.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"475\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Vineyard.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Vineyard-300x226.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>When you think of balanced Bordeaux, the wines should walk that superb fine line between the elements of acid, fruit, sweetness and tannins. Dourthe Estates has cracked that proverbial mark by creating beautiful and austere wines.<\/p>\n<p>Viewing all their bottles lined up, it was impossible not to be impressed.\u00a0 Once poured, a good selection of the wines are inky, dark, generally opaque, with rims the color of purple. The lighter wines are mostly dark, deep ruby coloured.<\/p>\n<p>Across the board, the wines are aromatic, fresh, and clean. Medium to full-bodied wines with aromas that are pure, fruit-driven (plums and blackcurrant), cassis, blackberry, dark cherry, vanilla, black cherry, spice, graphite, but also floral, and most have an earthiness like smelling green pepper, cedar, damp soil or lead from a pencil.<\/p>\n<p>But the real action takes place on the palate. The tannins and acidity are pleasantly high, but it\u2019s the sweet, ripe, fruits and their freshness that stays with you. Their wines show lots of structure and backbone, with layers upon layers of complexity. Mouth-feel is often soft, silky, and elegant and can feel like velvet on your palate.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/dourthe-barrells\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33356\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33356\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Barrells.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Barrells.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-Barrells-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6uTusXVhJn8\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-de-ricaud-2012\/247193\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33500 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33500\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-De-Ricaud-2012.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"65\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-de-ricaud-2012\/247193\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ch\u00e2teau De Ricaud 2012<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nCadillac C\u00f4tes De Bordeaux A.C., France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/David-Skinner-Australia.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-24697\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/David-Skinner-Australia.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"130\" height=\"163\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>David Skinner<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Wine &amp; Travel Columnist, Outdoor Magazine<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Every fine bottle of wine begins in the vineyard and Dourthe Estate\u2019s viticultural emphasis is evident in the portfolio presented to some of Ottawa\u2019s top writers by head winemaker, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous.<\/p>\n<p>This commitment to the cultivation and harvesting of only the best fruit is emphasized by the company\u2019s President, Patrick Jestin \u201cWe are grape growers first and foremost; we adhere to an uncompromising quality policy for all our wines\u201d. This approach to managing the nine distinct estates in Bordeaux has kept the Dourthe name atop the industry leaderboard for some time.<\/p>\n<p>With more than 500 hectares under vine, Monsieur Bonnafous has a wealth of opportunity to make distinctive styles from the terroir offerings from both the left and right banks of the Gironde and its tributaries. The soils nurturing the plantings have been a fundamental aspect of quality management and Dourthe has been meticulous in their research into what the land offers to the winemaker.<\/p>\n<p>Each vineyard has been mapped in detail to ensure that decisions are made for customizing rootstock selection and viticultural practices down to the micro-parcel of land. This knowledge has underpinned the sustainable agricultural methods appropriate to each soil type from clay to gravel and limestone.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/ds-2-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33702\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-33702\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/DS-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"461\" height=\"615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/DS-2.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/DS-2-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px\" \/><\/a>Photo by David Skinner<\/p>\n<p>Individual substrates support the four major varietals planted, but each in a different way. Clay allows for a strong expression of fruit; limestone imparts a distinctive minerality and the stoney topsoil of Graves forces deep root structure that yields its own distinctiveness to the grapes.<\/p>\n<p>Armed with a deep understanding of the land, varietals and cultivars have been married to the terroir with specific wine styles in mind. The intention is to drive a consistency within each estate and derive the best that this union can offer.<\/p>\n<p>Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric is quick to point out that while Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are grown in varying ratios in almost every parcel, he has a fondness for planting Petit Verdot every chance he gets. While the diminutive grape is planted sparingly, it packs a punch that can give some extra heft to delicate Merlots and classic Bordeaux blends.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPetit Verdot is like salt and pepper,\u201d he points out. It is very powerful and overwhelming on its own but, as an accent, it can bring out the best in its bottle mates.<\/p>\n<p>All the wines see very little new oak aging. Winemaking at Dourthe is all about allowing the expression of soil, grape and vintage. Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric feels that too much oak character detracts from what nature has provided and this is particularly so with Merlot\u2019s subtleties.<\/p>\n<p>Used oak barrels allow the wine to mature in the proper environment that will permit the expressions of the fruit-based tannins and flavors. Every wine tasted had similar silky tannins and solid acidity derived from this practice.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/ds-1-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33700\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-33700\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/DS-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"455\" height=\"607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/DS-1.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/DS-1-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 455px) 100vw, 455px\" \/><\/a>Photo by David Skinner<\/p>\n<p>This emphasis on native expression and gentle barrel aging is most evident in their flagship wine \u201cEssence de Dourthe\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The wine does indeed capture what the essence of Dourthe quality is all about.\u00a0 Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric calls this blend a \u201csuper Bordeaux\u201d, borrowing from its super-Tuscan namesake from neighboring Italy.<\/p>\n<p>Super indeed.<\/p>\n<p>Starting from the top estates, each domain is given the opportunity to select the best grapes from the best soil and make a limited offering of what they feel is the echelon of their efforts. Cumulatively, only eight hectares give birth to what eventually is selected as a blend of the best of the best.<\/p>\n<p>Such limitations result in only 6,000 bottles, but it isn\u2019t every year that the wine is made. It also must be a good vintage (the 2010 vintage is currently in short supply and the 2014 version is due out next). Once the team of winemakers select the ideal proportions, the finished nectar is sent to age for 20 months in (you guessed it) second-use barrels.<\/p>\n<p>In describing the selection process, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric noted that even some of the top wines don\u2019t make it past the finish line. He put it this way \u201cYou are the best but without you we are better\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Not only does this describe a dedication to quality but it emphasizes that the team is more important than the individual and that\u2019s a part of the Dourthe Estates culture and heritage.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/patrick-jestin\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33382\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-33382\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Patrick-Jestin.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"624\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Patrick-Jestin.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Patrick-Jestin-300x238.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><\/a><strong>Patrick Jestin<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9yDIU-pdgfE\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-pey-la-tour-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33503\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33503\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-Pey-La-Tour.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"62\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-pey-la-tour-reserve-du-chateau-2012\/247672\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ch\u00e2teau Pey La Tour R\u00e9serve Du Ch\u00e2teau 2012<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nBordeaux, France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-24712\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Doug-McMillan-Photo1.jpg\" alt=\"Doug McMillan Photo\" width=\"120\" height=\"130\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Doug McMillan<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Accredited Sommelier\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>When one attends a private wine tasting, there are certain aspects that are common to all, but always something different as well. The tasting hosted by Dourthe Wines of Bordeaux was a fantastic affair on a beautiful, sunny, spring day in Ottawa, with a dazzling vista of Ottawa available from the top of the Andaz hotel. Everyone was in a great mood for tasting wines.<\/p>\n<p>The wines themselves (one white and about a dozen reds) were all quite spectacular, and covered a fairly wide range of styles. Things are changing slowly, but I think the tendency of Old World winemakers to focus on terroir and New World winemakers to focus on the grapes and growing techniques, still holds true, although each takes the best of other parts of the winemaking \u201cspectrum\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The Dourthe wines are quite traditional in style, and are great examples of such, but they also use the latest in production techniques. They study the land to ensure the best types of grapes are grown in each parcel, but in many cases this was done long ago through trial and error; one of the perks of making wine in the same place for hundreds of years.<\/p>\n<p>As is the tradition in French winemaking, the wines are more about blends than the more new-world varietal based products. This gives them a lot more flexibility in creating exactly the flavour profile they\u2019re after, as well as optimizing for the ups and downs in different growing seasons.<\/p>\n<p>The flexibility is tempered somewhat by some of the strict rules that govern wine production in France, but it\u2019s enough. I find that although it makes it harder for a non-sommelier to know what sort of wine they\u2019re buying, it also gives a wider range of tastes.<\/p>\n<p>As an example, Merlot is one of the major Bordeaux grapes and is present in all the reds. Most of the single-varietal Merlot wines you find are big, round, full-bodied, but frequently lack \u201cpunch\u201d. That could not really be said about most Bordeaux wines.<\/p>\n<p>They blend Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot in various percentages to highlight and support the best aspects of each, and I find the wines tend to be more food-friendly, or at least, friendly for a much wider range of foods than a single varietal Merlot.<\/p>\n<p>(Not that many New World winemakers also do blends, but it\u2019s rarely advertised as such, and there are limits on the percentages.)<\/p>\n<p>The white wine presented was a treat. Mostly Sauvignon Blanc, it was clean, fresh, and fragrant. It had a wider flavour than New Zealand style Sauvignon Blanc, partially due to the blending of Semillon and Sauvignon Gris, but also because, surprisingly (to me at least), it was actually partially done in oak. Seven percent in new French oak barrels.<\/p>\n<p>When oak is over-done in white wines, I find it really robs them of their freshness, but this use of oak was just right, giving character without hiding the aspects of the Sauvignon Blanc that make it attractive.<\/p>\n<p>In general, this tasting for me was a reminder that I should get over my fear of not knowing the exact varietals or blends used in French wines and buy more, appreciating them for the complexity they bring.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-belgrave\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33360\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33360\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-BELGRAVE.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-BELGRAVE.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-BELGRAVE-300x223.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-belgrave-2010\/251519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33505 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33505\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-Belgrave-2010.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"63\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-belgrave-2010\/251519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ch\u00e2teau Belgrave 2010<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nHaut-M\u00e9doc, Bordeaux A.C., France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-27348\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Greg-Hughes.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 185px) 100vw, 185px\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Greg-Hughes.jpg 386w, http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Greg-Hughes-300x253.jpg 300w\" alt=\"Greg Hughes\" width=\"185\" height=\"156\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Greg Hughes<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Wine Writer &amp; Sommelier<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>What a pleasure it is to sit in on a tasting, such as the one Vignobles Dourthe put forth at the Andaz, Ottawa.\u00a0 Rarely do you get to see one producer present such an array of different and contrasting terroirs.<\/p>\n<p>They are a firm that have been heavily invested in Bordeaux since the mid-nineteenth century.<\/p>\n<p>Generally speaking, there are three great climactic divides along the Bordeaux Estuary, which is the dominant geographical feature of the area.<\/p>\n<p>There is the Left Bank, where some of the world\u2019s most breathtaking (and costly) Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blends reside.<\/p>\n<p>The Right Bank, where cooler soils give rise to cult wines built around Merlot and Cabernet Franc.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-belgrave\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33360\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33360\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-BELGRAVE.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-BELGRAVE.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-BELGRAVE-300x223.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Further up the estuary, a confluence of the Dordogne, Garonne, and other river tributaries feed into the Gironde, as it empties into the Atlantic.\u00a0 This area produces red, white, and also, fine dessert wines.<\/p>\n<p>Dourthe incorporates many selections of all three of these areas into their offering.<\/p>\n<p>Slowly and gradually, a diverse range of estates have joined the Dourthe family and they maintain unique integrity of these historic estates.\u00a0 Some of their more famous holdings include Chateau Raoul, Pey La Tour, Chateau La Garde, and Chateau Belgrave (a fifth growth classified in 1855 along with famous estates like Lafite and Cos Destournel).<\/p>\n<p>They see themselves as custodians, preserving the historicity and uniqueness of the wines these estates produce.\u00a0 Not only do they honour their estates, but it\u2019s also interesting to note they feel the same way about what they grow.<\/p>\n<p>They are ardent supporters of growing large proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, in their respective areas, to maintain their classical contributions to the iconic Bordeaux styles.<\/p>\n<p>Cabernet Franc delivers beautiful floral and herbal aromatic, when slipped into the blend in significant proportions, as has been achieved with Chateau La Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac, in St. Emilion.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, they grow a lot of Petit Verdot in their Haut Medoc and Entre Deux Mers estates, including Belgrave and Pey La Tour.\u00a0 The payoff for Petit Verdot is its bombastic, full-bodied nature.\u00a0 The key is using it like a garnish on food \u2013 like salt or pepper.\u00a0 Too much makes a wine too tannic or imbalanced. Just enough can give the fruit a deep, dark, ruminating dimension.<\/p>\n<p>Another obscure varietal it was nice to see being put forward as an integral component to Dourthe\u2019s wine was Sauvignon Gris (a greyish pink skinned mutation of Sauvignon Blanc prized for juicy tropicality). It is by far one of the rarest traditional Bordeaux varietals, but it composes 15% of Chateau La Garde\u2019s estate white.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XKZoEQ-JVUU\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-rahoul-alain-thienot-prop-meritage-2012\/251821\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33543 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33543\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-Rahoul-2012-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"63\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-rahoul-alain-thienot-prop-meritage-2012\/251821\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ch\u00e2teau Rahoul Alain Thi\u00e9not, Prop. Meritage 2012<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nA.C., Graves, Bordeaux, France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-belgrave\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33360\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33360\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-BELGRAVE.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-BELGRAVE.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-BELGRAVE-300x223.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/O_-P5jT_0i4\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-la-garde-2014\/251822\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33509 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33509\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chteau-La-Garde-2014.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"62\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-la-garde-2014\/251822\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ch\u00e2teau La Garde 2014<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nPessac-L\u00e9ognan, Bordeaux A.C., France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/?attachment_id=26246\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-26246\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-26246\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Gwen-Barton.jpg\" alt=\"Gwen Barton\" width=\"150\" height=\"175\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Gwen Barton<br \/>\nAccredited Sommelier <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>A fabulous tasting took place this week in the penthouse cocktail lounge at Andaz hotel.\u00a0 Our tasting team had the honour of hearing from Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous, Head Winemaker for Dourthe Bordeaux, as he walked us through a wonderful array of their signature wines.<\/p>\n<p>What I found most interesting about the presentation was the emphasis on the terroir. While I know that soil in Bordeaux is perfect for grape vines (and little else) it was listening to Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric that made it clear how much of an influencing factor it truly is.<\/p>\n<p>Each wine he described, he noted where each grape varietal was grown and the type of soil\/clay, gravel, silty or limestone, and how the soil significantly contributes to the personality of the wine.<\/p>\n<p>More research done after the tasting discovered the extent to which the science of soil mapping is a critical factor to planning and decision making for the winemaking team.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-le-boscq\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33362\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33362\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-LE-BOSCQ.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-LE-BOSCQ.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-LE-BOSCQ-300x226.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I was also impressed with the range of wines shared with us during the tasting.\u00a0 Dourthe produces wine in six chateaux with grapes grown on over 500 hectares of vines.\u00a0\u00a0 Each chateau produces delightful blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, barrel aged, which adds to the complexity and depth of flavour profiles.<\/p>\n<p>Bonnefous spoke in detail about the impact of Petit Verdot on the final product.\u00a0\u00a0 He spoke to this grape adding the \u201cpower\u201d to the wine (tannins, colour and flavour).<\/p>\n<p>Challenging to produce as a single varietal, however, used in small quantities, it is integral to the blend adding a unique flavour including hints of violet which is often noted in Bordeaux tastings.<\/p>\n<p>At the end of our event, we had the pleasure of tasting Dourthe\u2019s \u201cEssence\u201d which takes the \u201cbest of the best\u201d grapes from different regions and allows the winemaker free reign to create a remarkable Bordeaux with wonderful complexity and, while definitely drinkable now, it has definite aging potential.\u00a0 What a treat.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you Natalie MacLean for organizing; Andaz for being such a wonderful host; and Monsieur Bonnaffous for an incredibly educational tasting.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/__h6vQ0_Pbc\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-pey-la-tour-reserve-du-chateau-2014\/251824\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33511 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33511\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-Pey-La-Tour-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"62\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-pey-la-tour-reserve-du-chateau-2014\/251824\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ch\u00e2teau Pey La Tour R\u00e9serve Du Ch\u00e2teau 2014<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nBordeaux, France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-25018\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Matt-Steeves1.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 111px) 100vw, 111px\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Matt-Steeves1.jpg 253w, http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Matt-Steeves1-190x300.jpg 190w\" alt=\"Matt Steeves\" width=\"111\" height=\"175\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Matt Steeves<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Wine Expert, CTV Morning Live<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not every day that a Bordeaux winemaker leaves his beautiful Chateau in Bordeaux, France, to travel to Canada\u2019s capital, Ottawa, to pour a dozen of his premium wines to a small group of sommeliers and wine writers.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, I had the distinct pleasure of attending this rare Bordeaux tasting, and of course, tasting the full line-up of Maison Dourthe\u2019s wines, most of which, for the first time.<\/p>\n<p>Wow, what a fantastic portfolio that impressed all the tasters and also showed the exceptional high level of quality that Dourthe\u2019s 9 Chateaus are producing.<\/p>\n<p>Maison Dourthe owns 9 wineries (chateaux) throughout Bordeaux, including Chateau Belgrave, a classified Grand Cru winery from the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux\u2019s best wines, that Emperor Napoleon III ordered to showcase their finest wines to visitors from around the world (how thoughtful, Napoleon!).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-la-garde\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33364\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33364\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-LA-GARDE.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-LA-GARDE.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-LA-GARDE-300x229.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>With several of their chateaux on the left bank, where the finest Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in the region\u2019s gravely soils, to their right bank St-Emilion Grand Cru Chateaux (Chateau Grand Barrail and Chateau Haut Gros Caillou), where exceptional Merlot is grown in the clay soils, and of course, their entre-deux-mers winery, Chateau Pey la Tour, which happens to be one of the most popular Bordeaux Superieur wines around the world, given its great structure and affordable super value price.<\/p>\n<p>Many of the wines stood out to me as truly exceptional. \u00a0Six of the wines I scored 92+ points, with a few 93s and one 96-98 points, being awarded to Essence, Dourthe\u2019s Super-Bordeaux (like Italy\u2019s Super Tuscan, but from Bordeaux), which was simply sublime and showcased just how terrific a Bordeaux blend can be when nothing but the best of the best are used.<\/p>\n<p>Chateau La Garde, Chateau Le Boscq, Chateau Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac and Chateau Belgrave were all outstanding!<\/p>\n<p>Keep your eyes peeled for those wines when released through either SAQ in Quebec or LCBO in Ontario.<\/p>\n<p>Above all, this was a great reminder of why we should all be drinking more Bordeaux, or at least buying some and cellaring it to enjoy down the road for those special occasions.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9ig57zuo8ps\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-grand-barrail-lamarzelle-figeac-2011\/251825\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33513 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33513\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-Grand-Barrail-Lamarzelle-Figeac-2011.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"63\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-grand-barrail-lamarzelle-figeac-2011\/251825\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ch\u00e2teau Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac 2011<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nSaint-\u00c9milion, Bordeaux A.C., France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-33483\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Simon_Chen11.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Simon_Chen11.png 180w, http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Simon_Chen11-150x150.png 150w, http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Simon_Chen11-60x60.png 60w\" alt=\"\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Simon Chen, Ph.D.<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa and Wine Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>It was my first time attending Natalie\u2019s team wine tasting at the Andaz Hotel, and it was simply amazing.<\/p>\n<p>We tasted 12 wines from different regions in Bordeaux, all made by the same winemaker, and really got to learn about how terroir makes a difference to the wine. We had wines from Haut-Medoc, Cadilac Cote De Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Leognan, St Estephe, and Saint-Emillion. We also had first and second label wines from the same chateau to compare how they are different from each other.<\/p>\n<p>Many wines that we had are Merlot blend, including Ch\u00e2teau Pey La Tour R\u00e9serve Du Ch\u00e2teau, Ch\u00e2teau Rahoul, Ch\u00e2teau La Garde, Ch\u00e2teau Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac 2011, and Chateau Reysson. However, you can clearly taste that the Merlot in each wine is different from one another, depending on the region.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the Merlot from Chateau Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac has more fruit, more rounded structure compared to other Left Bank chateaux. In contrast, Merlot from Chateau Le Garde gives gravel, mineral, and firm tannin.<\/p>\n<p>It is definitely an interesting experience to compare so many wines from different regions that are made by the same winemaker.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-grand-barrail-lamarzelle-figeac\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33366\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33366\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-GRAND-BARRAIL-LAMARZELLE-FIGEAC.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-GRAND-BARRAIL-LAMARZELLE-FIGEAC.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-GRAND-BARRAIL-LAMARZELLE-FIGEAC-300x229.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>At the end, what impressed me most was that the winemaker goes out of tradition and makes this \u2018super bordeaux\u2019 wine. We know that in Napa, many wineries blend grapes from different vineyards in Napa.<\/p>\n<p>However, in Bordeaux, there are strict rules that wineries need to follow the AOC regulation. It was surprising to learn that in Dourthe\u2019s top premium wine \u2013 Essence De Dourthe, the winemaker chooses the best grapes from different wine regions to blend (which could be Cabernet from St. Julien, Merlot from St. Emillion, and Petit Verdot from Haut-Medoc), and makes the best wine that they can offer.<\/p>\n<p>This wine is rich, complex, with big structure and smooth yet long finish.<\/p>\n<p>I drink Bordeaux wines often and I have been to many Union des Grand Crus de Bordeaux (UGC) events to see, to taste 100+ Bordeaux wines in each vintage. However, it was rare that I have the opportunity to taste wines from different regions that are made by the same winemaker.<\/p>\n<p>I asked him after the tasting, how he showcases the characteristics of each vintage, and he said, &#8220;It all depends on when you decide to harvest. A good winemaker will know when to pick the grapes to highlight the characteristics of the vintage, terroir, and region.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>I believe that he achieved just that.<\/p>\n<p>Even in the challenging vintages of 2012 and 2013, his wines from Ch\u00e2teau De Ricaud, Ch\u00e2teau Rahoul, and La Terrasse De La Garde all demonstrate very good fruit and round structure that are very approachable.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DeDDjNuLsEg\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/diane-de-belgrave-2010\/251826\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33515 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33515\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Diane-de-Belgrave-2011.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/diane-de-belgrave-2010\/251826\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Diane de Belgrave 2010<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nHaut-M\u00e9doc, Bordeaux, France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-24710\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Lynn-Vanderlinde.jpeg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 120px) 100vw, 120px\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Lynn-Vanderlinde.jpeg 120w, http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Lynn-Vanderlinde-60x60.jpeg 60w\" alt=\"Lynn Vanderlinde\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lynn van der Linde<br \/>\nAccredited Sommelier and Event Planner<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Perched atop of downtown Ottawa, with a view of the Parliament and Gatineau, the Andaz Hotel was the perfect location for a whirlwind tour of Bordeaux wines, through the eyes of Dourthe Winery Estates Director and Winemaker, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous.<\/p>\n<p>Established over 175 years ago, the Dourthe Winery was created by Pierre Dourthe, and since then, generations of the Dourthe family have cut new paths in winemaking, and along the way building and acquiring the now ten chateaux estates that span from the north of Bordeaux in Medoc, to east in Pomerol, and to the south in Sauternes.<\/p>\n<p>We started the afternoon\u2019s tasting with the only white wine of the day, Chateau La Garde, with grapes grown in the Pessac-L\u00e9ognan region. This appellation is known for some of the finest gravel soils, which produce delicate yet sophisticated wine.<\/p>\n<p>Three quarters of this white wine is derived from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, and the balance from Sauvignon Gris and S\u00e9millon, making for a very fresh palate with crisp acidity.\u00a0 An impeccable way to kick off the day.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/lvl-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33709\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33709\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/LVL-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/LVL-2.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/LVL-2-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Lynn van der Linde<\/p>\n<p>The remainder of our oenology field trip was spent tasting red wines from a sampling of the Douthe Estates. Making our way to the centre of Bordeaux in the Bordeaux Sup\u00e9rieur region, our first red wine was from the Ch\u00e2teau Pey La Tour, 2015, with heady sweet and spicy aromas (read: cigar box), with a long peppery finish.<\/p>\n<p>I kept going back to this first glass throughout the afternoon, as it continued to soften, open up, and present more of those sweet spice characteristics.\u00a0 The soft texture and sweet aromas make this a perfect \u201cbeginner&#8217;s Bordeaux\u201d for those who are more accustomed to New World wine and want to dip their toe in Bordeaux country.<\/p>\n<p>Another entry Bordeaux would be the red from Ch\u00e2teau La Garde \u2013 where Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric purposefully crafts this blend to have a more new world feel by using older oak barrels and allowing the fruit to come forward on the palate.\u00a0 In Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric\u2019s view, the Pessac-L\u00e9ognan region produces the best Cabernet Sauvignon from the Right Bank, and the best Merlot from the Left Bank of the Gironde river in Bordeaux.<\/p>\n<p>As I continued to collect tasting glasses in front of me, there were a few pours that stood out from the others. The Ch\u00e2teau Rahoul 2012 is a wonderfully sexy wine, presenting black plums, vanilla and oak, and a balanced mouth feel from first to last sip.\u00a0 It\u2019s a very impressive wine to pour for friends and family, and at thirty dollars it won\u2019t break the bank!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/lvl-3\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33710\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33710\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/LVL-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/LVL-3.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/LVL-3-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Lynn van der Linde<\/p>\n<p>The Ch\u00e2teau Reysson Cru Bourgeouis from the northern Bordeaux region of Haut-M\u00e9doc was another crowd pleaser and certainly worthy of a shout out.\u00a0 Different from the usual gravel terroir of Bordeaux, the unique clay soil of Ch\u00e2teau Reysson produces a very sultry and luxurious wine.<\/p>\n<p>Dark purple in the glass, with prevailing cassis and black pepper aromas, and a soft mouth feel, I was saddened to hear that it\u2019s only available in Alberta right now.<\/p>\n<p>I was also reminded of the interesting tidbit of knowledge that the Cru Bourgeouis is sort of the next level of \u201cperfection\u201d only after the Grand Cru status.\u00a0 Each year, there is a grading in the standard of quality of Bordeaux wines, and only the finest and second finest are called Grand Cru and Cru Borgeouis, respectively.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/lvl\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33707\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33707\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/LVL.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"114\" \/><\/a>Photo by Lynn van der Linde<\/p>\n<p>In the eastern Saint-Emilion region, the Ch\u00e2teau Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Fegeac was another notable Grand Cru.\u00a0 Acquired in 2005, this Ch\u00e2teau is known for producing very delicate and elegant wines, and has become a real showpiece for the Dourthe portfolio.<\/p>\n<p>Fellow taster, Gwen Barton, commented \u201cyou can smell this one all day\u201d, with its berry and plum aromas, and one that you can enjoy while it\u2019s (and you) are still young!<\/p>\n<p>The Pi\u00e8ce De R\u00e9sistance of the day, went to the final pour: 2010 Essence de Dourthe. It is the carte blanche for the winemaking team to pluck the best of the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes from some of the most esteemed Dourthe estates, including Ch\u00e2teau La Garde and Ch\u00e2teau Grand Barrail Lamazelle Figeac mentioned above.<\/p>\n<p>Intoxicating aromas of dark fruits, eucalyptus and oak, it epitomizes the best of what Bordeaux has to offer.<\/p>\n<p>With only six thousand bottles produced each year, and only one hundred and twenty of those making their way to Canada, my colleagues and I were honoured to have Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric open two bottles with us for the tasting, just shy of two hundred dollars a bottle.<\/p>\n<p>I am not worthy ;)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-rahoul\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33368\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33368\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-RAHOUL.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-RAHOUL.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-RAHOUL-300x227.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GbBjZk5OImg\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/diane-de-belgrave-2011\/251827\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33515 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33515\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Diane-de-Belgrave-2011.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/diane-de-belgrave-2011\/251827\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Diane de Belgrave 2011<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nHaut-M\u00e9doc, Bordeaux, France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-32503\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Rachelle-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"138\" height=\"153\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rachelle O\u2019Connor<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Wine Writer &amp; Competition Judge<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>It was a perfect Spring afternoon for a wine tasting last Thursday in the Copper Bar of the chic Andaz Hotel in downtown Ottawa.\u00a0 An excited group of wine writers, myself included, awaited the arrival of Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous, Head Winemaker for the Bordeaux Estate of Dourthe.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/roc-1\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33939\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33939\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-1.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-1-300x243.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Rachelle O\u2019Connor<\/p>\n<p>Dourthe is built on a solid foundation with an unwavering commitment to quality.\u00a0 The history is as rich as the soil that the vines are planted on.<\/p>\n<p>The portfolio is diverse, with many layers revealing the proven success and immense skill of the collaborative efforts from the team.\u00a0 Dourthe manages more than 500 hectares of wines in Bordeaux \u2013 and they continually are seeking means to improve their already impeccable attention to vine health, longevity and yield.<\/p>\n<p>They also conduct cutting edge research and insist on extreme vineyard care year-round to support their specifications and innovative trials.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/roc-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33943\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33943\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-2.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-2-300x170.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Rachelle O\u2019Connor<\/p>\n<p>The history of the Dourthe family spans almost two centuries, starting with the opening by Pierre Dourthe, of a wine merchant business in Bordeaux around 1940.<\/p>\n<p>From there, the family business evolved over time into one of the most recognized names in the world, representing many outstanding Bordeaux wines.\u00a0 The acquisition of so many estates over time has strengthened Dourthe and solidified their legacy globally.<\/p>\n<p>As our tour through many of the Estates continued, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric spoke with great passion and knowledge.\u00a0 As the wines were able to sit and breathe a bit, the aromas from the glass began to really open up.<\/p>\n<p>Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric knew exactly what challenges they faced year over year, and also knew where they achieved great success across the vast number of vineyards.\u00a0 \u201cThe soils are different, the yields can vary, the weather is different, therefore the final product is different\u201d, noted Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric.<\/p>\n<p>So many of the wines we tried were truly fabulous, the Chateau de Ricard and the Chateau Haut Gros Caillou were fresh and flavourful; however, my two favorites of the tasting were the Diane de Belgrave, 2011 and the Essence de Dourthe, 2010.\u00a0 They both had that \u2018wow\u201d factor for me.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/roc-3\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33944\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33944\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-3.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-3-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Rachelle O\u2019Connor<\/p>\n<p>Diane de Belgrave, is a classic Bordeaux from Chateau Belgrave in Haut \u2013Medoc (60% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot).\u00a0 The wine was elegant, silky, smooth and sophisticated.<\/p>\n<p>The fruit really shone through after it was able to breathe a bit in the glass.\u00a0 Decanting is a must to really see all the beautiful layers of this wine.<\/p>\n<p>The Essence de Dourthe 2010, perfection in a bottle.\u00a0 It is a non-traditional, high-end Bordeaux blend, with grapes from different appellations \u2013 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from fifth growth Chateau Belgrave in Haut Medoc, a dash of Petit Verdot from Chateau le Boscq in St. Estephe, extra Cabernet Sauvignon from Chateau La Garde in Pessac-Leognan and some Cabernet Franc from grand cru St. Emillion Chateau Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac.<\/p>\n<p>This wine is created only when the winemaker believes that the conditions have been present to create such a magical potion that will deliver that superb end product \u2013 there have been many years without a vintage \u2013 2004, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/roc-4\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33945\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-33945\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-4-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-4-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-4-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ROC-4.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Rachelle O\u2019Connor<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-reysson\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33370\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33370\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-REYSSON.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-REYSSON.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-REYSSON-300x227.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_K4H2ydHQnQ\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-reysson-2014\/251828\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33518 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33518\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-Reysson-2014.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"63\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-reysson-2014\/251828\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Chateau Reysson 2014<\/strong> <\/a><br \/>\nBordeaux, France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-25024\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Pam-Chiles.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 142px) 100vw, 142px\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Pam-Chiles.jpg 370w, http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Pam-Chiles-276x300.jpg 276w\" alt=\"Pam Chiles\" width=\"142\" height=\"154\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pam Chiles<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> Wine &amp; Food Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I have to admit \u2013 Bordeaux can be intimidating. So many appellations, the 1855 classification, the Left Bank, the Right Bank, the first growths, the second, third, fourth, fifth growths, the powerhouse chateaux (bottles and buildings) that billionaires collect.<\/p>\n<p>I drank Bordeaux eons ago, before I knew anything at all about wine, I think because it was the thing to do.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/pc-1-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33951\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33951\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/PC-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/PC-1.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/PC-1-229x300.jpg 229w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Pam Chiles<\/p>\n<p>Then I discovered lots other wines regions \u2013 Italy, Spain, Chile, Australia and drifted away from claret, as the Brits love to call it.<\/p>\n<p>In about the last couple decades, I can recall drinking Bordeaux twice: once in wine class and once at a Commanderie de Bordeaux evening (a fancy wine club to which you must be invited) \u2013 we had a Chateau Cheval Blanc (1993) and a Chateau Pichon-Longueville Lalande (1982) \u2013 they were lost on me, sadly, I just didn\u2019t \u201cget\u201d them.<\/p>\n<p>Fast forward to the present \u2013 I have a better understanding and appreciation of wine generally, having studied and drank a bit more (!). But I also wanted to understand and appreciate what we were going to discover at the Dourthe tasting, so I hauled out the bible: Hugh and Jancis (World Atlas of Wine) and got re-acquainted.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/pc-2-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33952\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33952\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/PC-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/PC-2.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/PC-2-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Pam Chiles<\/p>\n<p>I just scratched the surface and found I had a profound urge to spend an hour on Travelocity. The ideal way to discover wine is to travel to the source, but alas, time and money factored in, as they usually do!<\/p>\n<p>No need to hop on a plane, led by winemaker Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous, we wound our way through Bordeaux, chateau by chateau, discovering the geography, history, viticulture, winemaking, vintages of many of Dourthe\u2019s properties.\u00a0 The wines we tasted linked back to the region, expressions of the terroir and the production.<\/p>\n<p>We sampled everything from an everyday Bordeaux Superieur (Pey la Tour) to their flagship creation \u2013 Essence (a rare and expensive beast).\u00a0 Wines for all tastes and budgets.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/pc-3-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33953\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33953\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/PC-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/PC-3.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/PC-3-257x300.jpg 257w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Pam Chiles<\/p>\n<p>For me, some of the higher-mid-range wines ($30 to $70) were stars \u2013 Grand Barrail, Belgrave, La Garde (there is a note on my calendar to look out for the 2010 release).\u00a0 Located in the vicinity of many first-growths, but not necessarily next-door-neighbours, they showcased a fabulous range of aromas and flavours, depth, complexity and concentration, each bottle distinct from the other.<\/p>\n<p>All in all, a superb collection of wine.<\/p>\n<p>The takeaway \u2013 one need not be intimidated or aspire to Cheval Blanc or Pichon or any other billionaire-bottle to enjoy a really good Bordeaux. Just dive in.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-haut-gros-caillou\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33372\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33372\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-HAUT-GROS-CAILLOU.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-HAUT-GROS-CAILLOU.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-HAUT-GROS-CAILLOU-300x227.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ALKPwPZOaDM\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/essence-de-dourthe-2010\/251829\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33520 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33520\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Essence-De-Dourthe-2010.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"67\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/essence-de-dourthe-2010\/251829\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Essence De Dourthe 2010<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nBordeaux, France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-27983\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Melanie-Aubert-243x300.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 168px) 100vw, 168px\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Melanie-Aubert-243x300.jpg 243w, http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Melanie-Aubert-768x948.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Melanie-Aubert-830x1024.jpg 830w, http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Melanie-Aubert.jpg 1600w\" alt=\"Melanie Aubert\" width=\"168\" height=\"207\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Melanie Aubert<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Accredited Sommelier &amp; Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>On a beautiful, spring, sunny day, I headed to the Andaz Hotel in Ottawa\u2019s Byward Market for an exciting afternoon of wine tasting with Dourthe, a long-standing Bordeaux winery which prides itself on excellence and quality achieved by respecting the land. Established in 1840, the winery owns nine gorgeous ch\u00e2teaux in the Bordeaux region, each representing a distinct sense of place, i.e. terroir.<\/p>\n<p>Our guide for the tasting was Dourthe Head Winemaker, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous, who oversees winemaking at all nine estates. I believe this means he spends his life in his car driving back and forth between all the wineries. I blame my husband for finding myself wondering what kind of car he drives.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/ma-1a\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33689\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33689\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-1A.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-1A.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-1A-300x184.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Melanie Aubert<\/p>\n<p>Of the 12 wines we tasted, and I may be the only one, but my favourite wine of the day was actually a white wine: the Ch\u00e2teau La Garde white, a blend of mainly sauvignon blanc, with a bit of sauvignon gris (a pink-coloured clonal mutation of sauvignon blanc) and semillon. The nose is quite complex, showing pineapple, peach, fresh melon and a hint of vanilla and caramel (11% of this wine is aged on new oak).<\/p>\n<p>The sauvignon blanc is grown in limestone soil, lending this medium-bodied wine an attractive mineral quality, as well as mouth-watering acidity that makes it a very food-friendly wine. It even went with the delicious beef served by the Andaz, but it would work with a wide variety of dishes, from lighter fish dishes to honey ham or pulled pork tacos.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/ma-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33691\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33691\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"1121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-2.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-2-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-2-575x1024.jpg 575w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Melanie Aubert<\/p>\n<p>The other wine that stood out for me because it wasn\u2019t like the others was the Ch\u00e2teau Rahoul. Many of the wines we tasted were quite heavy on the tannins, the kind of wines that instantly dry out the sides of your mouth. But the Ch\u00e2teau Rahoul was a bit different.<\/p>\n<p>Hailing from the Graves appellation, known for its gravel soils, this wine is 60% merlot and 40% cabernet sauvignon. The tannins in this wine are much more subdued than in the other wines we tried. On the palate, you get lovely black cherry, smoke, fig, blackberry, cedar, and a hint of spice, backed by very juicy acidity and light tannins.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/ma-3\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33693\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33693\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-3.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-3-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Melanie Aubert<\/p>\n<p>It is very exciting to note that many of the Dourthe wines are already at the SAQ, with certain coming later this year to the LCBO in various Vintages releases.<\/p>\n<p>The main thing I learned about globally venerated Bordeaux wines at this tasting, was that these are typically not the types of wine that you would just sip on throughout an evening. These wines beg for food, and are in fact quite versatile when it comes to food pairing.<\/p>\n<p>All of these wines would be a great match for beef stew, grilled meats, pat\u00e9 and charcuterie boards (as you may have surmised, the French aren\u2019t so into vegetarian food).<\/p>\n<p>This was a great and informative tasting. Thank you to Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous for coming all the way from France; to the Andaz for providing such a great venue; to Dandurand Wines; and of course Natalie, for organizing it!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/ma-5\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33695\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33695\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-5.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MA-5-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Melanie Aubert<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-pey-la-tour\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33374\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33374\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-PEY-LA-TOUR.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-PEY-LA-TOUR.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-PEY-LA-TOUR-300x226.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/dourthe-1a\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33529\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33529\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/dourthe-1A.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/dourthe-1A.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/dourthe-1A-300x166.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-le-boscq-2012\/251830\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33522 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33522\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-Le-Boscq-2012.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"63\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-le-boscq-2012\/251830\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Chateau Le Boscq 2012<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nSt Est\u00e8phe, Bordeaux AOC, France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/gnarly-tree\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33378\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33378\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Gnarly-Tree.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"475\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Gnarly-Tree.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Gnarly-Tree-300x226.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-la-garde-blanc-2014\/251823\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33526 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33526\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-La-Garde-Blanc-2014.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"62\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-la-garde-blanc-2014\/251823\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ch\u00e2teau La Garde Blanc 2014<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nPessac-Leognan, Bordeaux DOC, France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Jane-Staples-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-25023\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Jane-Staples-1.jpg\" alt=\"Jane Staples 1\" width=\"148\" height=\"148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Jane-Staples-1.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Jane-Staples-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Jane-Staples-1-60x60.jpg 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 148px) 100vw, 148px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Jane Staples<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Wine Columnist, Ottawa Wedding Magazine<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/js-jane-buddy\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33915\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33915\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Jane-Buddy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Jane-Buddy.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Jane-Buddy-300x230.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Jane Staples<\/p>\n<p>Wine writers go to a lot of wine tastings.\u00a0 While they are inevitably very enjoyable and sometimes exciting, many are soon forgotten.<\/p>\n<p>Then, occasionally you attend one that makes you really sit up and say \u201cwow\u201d, this wine is a masterpiece!\u00a0 Sometimes you feel that you have temporarily visited a particular region and become acquainted with their terroir.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/js-chateal-la-garde-label\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33917\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-33917\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateal-La-Garde-Label-585x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"585\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateal-La-Garde-Label-585x1024.jpg 585w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateal-La-Garde-Label-172x300.jpg 172w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateal-La-Garde-Label.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Jane Staples<\/p>\n<p>Our winetasting lunch with F\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous, Head Winemaker for France\u2019s Bordeaux estates of Dourthe, was this type of memorable occasion.<\/p>\n<p>Our wine writing team happily gathered atop Ottawa\u2019s Andaz Hotel in their Copper Lounge and enjoyed the skyline views on a spring day.\u00a0 Bonnaffous had laryngitis, but that didn\u2019t stop his enthusiastic presentation of 16 wonderful wine products, complemented by a delicious lunch.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/js-chateal-le-bosco-label\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33918\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-33918\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateal-Le-Bosco-Label-605x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"605\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateal-Le-Bosco-Label-605x1024.jpg 605w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateal-Le-Bosco-Label-177x300.jpg 177w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateal-Le-Bosco-Label.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 605px) 100vw, 605px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Jane Staples<\/p>\n<p>The history of Dourthe Estates began in 1840, when Pierre Dourthe, a hotelier in a village near Bordeaux, opened a wine merchant business in Bordeaux.\u00a0 His vision was carried through by his descendants, who brought fame and fortune to the Dourthe name, now associated world-wide with prestigious \u201chaute-couture\u201d Bordeaux wines.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/js-food-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33919\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33919\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Food.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Food.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Food-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Jane Staples<\/p>\n<p>I was surprised to learn the value of how a tiny quantity of Petit Verdot can add considerably more structure to a red wine.\u00a0 Many of the reds we taste had a small percentage of Petit Verdot, even as low as 1% or 2%, but in each case, Bonnaffous stressed that it is an important component.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/js-chateau-pey-la-tour-label\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33920\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33920\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateau-Pey-La-Tour-Label.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"838\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateau-Pey-La-Tour-Label.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateau-Pey-La-Tour-Label-226x300.jpg 226w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Jane Staples<\/p>\n<p>I can honestly say that every wine we tasted was impressive and thankfully many are reasonably priced for the average consumer.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/js-chateau-rahoul-label\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33921\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33921\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateau-Rahoul-Label.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateau-Rahoul-Label.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Chateau-Rahoul-Label-239x300.jpg 239w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Jane Staples<\/p>\n<p>The highlight of the tasting was the last wine, Essence De Dourthe\u2026 silky smooth, complex and elegant with a dreamy finish.\u00a0 We lingered over that one, savouring the subtle flavours and rating it over 95 points.\u00a0 We were in no hurry to leave, having traveled vicariously to Bordeaux.\u00a0 This is a wine that once tasted, is never forgotten.<\/p>\n<p>My brain created a new olfactory receptor site with the aromas and flavours, labelled \u201dEssence\u201d.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/js-essemce-label\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33923\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33923\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Essemce-Label.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Essemce-Label.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-Essemce-Label-300x232.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Jane Staples<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/js-and-more-food-3\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33922\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33922\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-And-More-Food-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-And-More-Food-3.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-And-More-Food-3-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Jane Staples<\/p>\n<p>This was a wonderful and memorable wine tasting.\u00a0 My only disappointment is that more of these exceptional wines are not available in Ontario.\u00a0 I\u2019ll definitely be scouring the shelves in Vintages during each visit, ready to pounce when a Dourthe wine next arrives!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-wine-bordeaux-tasting\/js-more-food\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33924\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33924\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-More-Food.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-More-Food.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/JS-More-Food-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Jane Staples<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/chateau-de-ricaud\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33376\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33376\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-DE-RICAUD.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-DE-RICAUD.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CHATEAU-DE-RICAUD-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-belgrave-2012\/251831\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33524 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-33524\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Chateau-Belgrave-2010-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"63\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/wine-reviews\/chateau-belgrave-2012\/251831\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ch\u00e2teau Belgrave 2012<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nHaut-M\u00e9doc, Bordeaux A.C., France<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/?attachment_id=27979\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-27979\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-27979\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Lori-Kilmartin-2016.jpg\" alt=\"Lori Kilmartin 2016\" width=\"155\" height=\"155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Lori-Kilmartin-2016.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Lori-Kilmartin-2016-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Lori-Kilmartin-2016-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Lori-Kilmartin-2016-60x60.jpg 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 155px) 100vw, 155px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Lori Kilmartin<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Accredited Sommelier<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I was really excited to be a part of the Bordeaux tasting team with Natalie and my peers at the gorgeous Andaz Hotel.<\/p>\n<p>I have to confess, French wines are not something I drink a lot of personally, so I was really looking forward to expanding my knowledge, with the added benefit of getting to taste some fabulous wines.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/lk-1-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33667\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33667\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-1.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-1-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Lori Kilmartin<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The event was hosted \u00a0by the agency Philippe Dandurand Wines and featured wine from the nine estates of Dourthe Bordeaux; Chateau Belgrave, Chateau le Boscq, Chateau La Garde, Chateau Rahoul, Chateau Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac, Chateau Haut Gros Caillou, Chateau de Ricaud, Chateau Pey La Tour and Chateau Reysson.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/lk-2-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33669\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33669\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-2.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-2-60x60.jpg 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Lori Kilmartin<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">What I really enjoyed the most was meeting Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous, Head Winemaker, who made a rare trip away from the wineries to come share his passion for the wines crafted at these Estates.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/lk-3\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33673\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33673\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-3.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-3-300x259.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Lori Kilmartin<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">You can read my reviews here on Natalie\u2019s website so I won\u2019t go into detail on each of the 12 wines tasted.\u00a0 I had a few favourites but they were all extremely well made and delicious. When I asked Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric if he had a favourite I had to chuckle at his response which was along the lines of \u201cIt\u2019s like when you have children \u2013 you love them all\u201d.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/lk-4\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33675\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33675\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-4.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-4-300x145.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Lori Kilmartin<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">One of the things I found interesting was his discussion on the use of the Petite Verdot grape in the wines. Even if they weren\u2019t listed in the blend, apparently there is always a small component to add a little extra tannin, colour and aroma \u2013 violet in particular.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric referred to its use \u201clike salt and pepper\u201d and said that it \u201cgave power to the wine\u201d.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/lk-5\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33677\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33677\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"1063\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-5.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-5-178x300.jpg 178w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-5-607x1024.jpg 607w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Lori Kilmartin<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I was also very interested in how the weather really affects the vintages, some years being better than others. \u00a0The 2010 vintage was an exceptionally good year, which I was very happy to hear, having bought some 2010 Bordeaux through the Futures program several years ago after hearing it was flagged as a banner year.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/lk-6\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33679\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33679\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-6.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-6-300x241.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Lori Kilmartin<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">According to Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric, 2016 is also going to produce wines that are cellar-worthy, so you can be assured \u2013 when the LCBO futures program comes out \u2013 I will be adding some Dourthe Bordeaux to my cellar!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/lk-7\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33681\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33681\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-7.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-7-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-7-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/LK-7-60x60.jpg 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Lori Kilmartin<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/dourthe-tasting-175-years\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33348\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33348\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Dourthe-Tasting-175-Years.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Dourthe-Tasting-175-Years.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Dourthe-Tasting-175-Years-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/dourthe-3\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33531\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33531\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-3.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-3-300x176.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/dourthe-4\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33532\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33532\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"533\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-4.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Dourthe-4-228x300.jpg 228w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/ms-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33661\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33661\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MS-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MS-2.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MS-2-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Matt Steeves<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/ms-3-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33662\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33662\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MS-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MS-3.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/MS-3-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>Photo by Matt Steeves<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dourthe-tasting\/end\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-33380\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33380\" src=\"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/END.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/END.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/END-300x220.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dourthe provided the background below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>175 years ago: the launch of Dourthe<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dourthe has remained true to the values underpinning its rich and unique history since its early beginnings: a special bond with the soils, the highest quality standards and an innovative approach.<\/p>\n<p>1840 Dourthe was founded by Pierre Dourthe<\/p>\n<p>1929 Dourthe relocated to the very heart of the Bordeaux vineyards to Ch\u00e2teau Maucaillou in the Medoc<\/p>\n<p>1950 Dourthe made its first foray into export markets<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>30 years ago: The Dourthe N\u00b01 project<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dourthe N\u00b01 was the first opportunity to really challenge Bordeaux conventions.<\/p>\n<p>Objective: to produce a powerful wine in every sense, with a distinctive, complex aromatic character.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>An innovative approach:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Focusing on Sauvignon Blanc<br \/>\n\u2022 Engaging in a research programme working with Denis Dubourdieu<\/p>\n<p><strong>Involved from the early stages of the project:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Partner growers selected on the quality of their soils and a positive, motivated attitude.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Providing viticultural support and guidance to partners<br \/>\n\u2022 Focusing on new winemaking practices<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>After Ch\u00e2teau Belgrave in 1979, in the 90s and until the present day, a further 8 properties have joined the portfolio, representing more than 500 hectares across different Bordeaux appellations.<\/p>\n<p>\u2212 In-depth knowledge of the soils (research, restructuring and selective harvesting )<\/p>\n<p>\u2212 Meticulous work in the vineyard in order to produce the finest quality grapes possible<\/p>\n<p>\u2212 On-going research and trials to increase wine quality to produce:<\/p>\n<p>Well-balanced wines that express the terroir<br \/>\nQuality benchmarks in every price segment<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>15 years ago: launch of the Essence de Dourthe project<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Given this increasingly in-depth knowledge of our vineyards, we have been able to identify a number of exceptional plots. Our dream was to create a unique, different and original wine.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Complete autonomy given to estate managers to achieve their optimum performance both in the vineyard and in the winery<br \/>\n\u2022 Seeking the ultimate blend of the available wines with the aim of achieving the perfect synergy of complementarity and harmony in the wines.<br \/>\n\u2022 An innovative project which in turn benefits all the different Dourthe estates<\/p>\n<p>Essence is the masterpiece from Vignobles Dourthe, the ultimate Bordeaux wine on a par with the world\u2019s finest wines.<\/p>\n<p>This wine tasting was hosted by Dandurand Wine Agency.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recently, Canada&#8217;s top wine writers and sommeliers gathered in the nation&#8217;s capital for a Dourthe portfolio tasting with Head Winemaker, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous. Established in 1840, Dourthe is recognized as a leader\u00a0in the Bordeaux of France, with a particular passion for\u00a0the various soil types and the wines best suited to them. The nine estates that comprise\u00a0Dourthe all focus on the unique character of their\u00a0respective appellations. Here are the team&#8217;s notes and impressions. &nbsp; Jennifer MacDonald Havers Wine Columnist, Ottawa Citizen &nbsp; What an honour to meet head winemaker, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Bonnaffous, and to learn about the various ch\u00e2teaux of Dourthe in Bordeaux. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[113,1103,665,214,8,1109,393,207,1148],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32928","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-best-wines","category-bordeaux-wine-wine-region","category-cabernet-franc-france","category-cabernet-sauvignon","category-events","category-french-wine-wine-region","category-merlot","category-sauvignon-blanc","category-wine-tasting-event"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32928","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32928"}],"version-history":[{"count":227,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32928\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35208,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32928\/revisions\/35208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}