Château-Rauzan-Gassies L'Orme Rauzan Gassies 2016

L’Orme is the second label of the prestigious classified growth, Chateau Rauzan-Gassies, an estate in Haut-Médoc which dates back to the 17th century. A blend of approximately 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet grown on the sandy gravel soils of the Medoc, just outside Margaux, this is a superb wine at a very reasonable price.  Full-bodied with ripe cassis , black cherry and plum flavors, notes of violet, vanilla and sandalwood, with a lovely fleshy texture and dry, elegant finish. For lovers of Left Bank Bordeaux or Right Bank Bordeaux, this wine fits the bill!  A very elegant expression of the Haut-Médoc.

The origins of the Lords of Gassies dates to medieval knights, whose allegiance stood with the owners of Château Margaux. Today, the estate's 60 hectares of vines are split equally between the appellations of Margaux, and an area of the Haut-Médoc falling just outside of the Margaux AOP. It is this densely-planted plot of old-vine Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that makes up L'Orme de Rauzan-Gassies. It is delicately fermented in neutral cement tanks, then conservatively aged 12 months in French Oak Barrels, and makes a wonderfully accessible Bordeaux red in youth or with 5-15 years of bottle age depending on the vintage.