Tasting at Château Pertignas with Vincent Gauthier

It was not the most beautiful day in Bordeaux as we headed out into the vineyard with Vincent Gauthier at Château Pertignas. Unlike our visit the previous day where the vines were still loaded with Merlot grapes, here we were viewing a just picked vineyard following the harvest.

As we walked through the vineyard Gauthier discussed the difficulty he had with the 2017 vintage which was caused primarily by the heavy frost at the end of April. This weather hazard had significantly reduced his yields. After the high quality and high quantity 2016 vintage, he is estimating that his production for 2017 will be about one-fifth of the previous year.

He said he believes the quality of the surviving fruit to be quite good and ushered us to an outside tank for a taste of freshly fermenting Sauvignon Blanc which tasted of sweet citrus. We then headed inside for a tasting of the current releases.

The tasting:
Pertignas en Blanc Priolet Bordeaux Blanc 2016 - This drink-now white wine is made from Sauvignon Blanc. It is light, dry and aromatic with fresh citrus and a slightly bitter pithy note on the finish.

Pertignas en Blanc La Borie Bordeaux Blanc Semillon 2014 - A more serious white with some aging ability, it is made from 100% Semillon from old vines which is then aged in neutral barrels. Rich and dry with honeyed aromas, juicy acidity and a lingering tropical finish.

Rosé de Pertignas Bordeaux Rosé 2016 - This wine is made with 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. It is dry with fresh and fruity mixed berry aromas and mouth filling flavors.

Chateau Pertignas Bordeaux Supérieur Cuvée Vin de Copains 2015 - A blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Carmenere and 20% Petit Verdot, this dry red wine is easy drinking, fruity, soft and round with a spicy finish. Gauthier recommended it be served slightly chilled.

Chateau Pertignas Bordeaux Supérieur Cuvée Spéciale 2015 - This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot is dry with ripe berry aromas and flavors, grippy tannins and a spicy note in the finish.

Chateau Pertignas Bordeaux Supérieur Cuvée Fût de Chêne 2014 - This wine is 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon from old vines which is then aged in barrique. It is dry with velvety tannins, ripe aromas and rich flavors of plum and red berries with a bit of dried herbs and a mineral note in the lingering finish.

My favorites of the tasting were the La Borie Bordeaux Blanc Semillon and the Cuvée Fût de Chêne. I thought the Cuvée Vin de Copains served slightly chilled as suggested would be a delicious pairing with Texas barbecue. All six of these wines are recommended.