Desirade 2014
Winemaking
The grape varietals were handpicked separately at phenolic ripeness and stored at 10 °C to ensure the finest flavour and freshness. Subsequent processing, fermentation and maturation was carried out separately for each varietal. Upon crushing the grapes into 70 HL French oak casks, a temperature of 10 °C was maintained for 10 days with skins and juice in contact to ensure a sufficient cold maceration for optimum colour and tannin extraction. The wine is then transferred to 40% new and 60% older French oak barrels for 16-22 months. By using only 40% new oak, the fruits within each varietal are respected and allowed to combine in perfect harmony ensuring truly magnificent fruit flavour and tannin structure. Much care and attention is taken in selecting barrels containing maximum flavour and character for use in the final Bordeaux blend.
Vintage
A challenging vintage due to late rainfall, requiring additional skill in both vineyard and cellar. Red wines are less robust than 2015, with silky tannins and medium ageing potential.
Winemaker's comments
The Desirade is our Bordeaux blend – inspired by our savoir-faire of grapevine growing and winemaking on the river banks of the Gironde in Bordeaux, home to the grape varieties of this blend, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. A dark ruby red in colour, this wine is bold but balanced with intense aromas of blackberries, dried cranberries and liquorice. The palate is well structured with roundness and finesse from the Merlot and a long smooth finish from the Cabernet Sauvignon, with tasty flavours of black fruits and anise seeds.
Food pairing
This wine is perfectly suited for a range of flavourful meats. We recommend Desirade with duck or a rich beef stew.
