Chateau Tour Robert, Pomerol

Unlike Médoc wines, Pomerol wines have never been classified. Nevertheless, everyone acknowledges the appellation's indisputable leadership over Château Petrus.

Above all else, it is the small size of the wine-producing enterprise in Pomerol that is so striking. They typically produce no more than 25,000 to 30,000 bottles annually.

Château Tour-Robert's vineyard is roughly only 11,120 acres (4.5 ha).
It is surrounded by such prestigious crus as Mazeyres, Clos René, and de Sales, and is located on the very same sandy-gravelly soil that produces the majority of Pomerol grand wines.

Also peculiar to the Pomerol area are its vines, primarily Merlot (65%). The rest are divided between Cabernet Franc (30%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%).

Compared to Château Beauchêne, to which it is closely related, this wine reveals itself by displaying more tannic aspects and a strapping body. This is due to the vinification technology that relies on a protracted vatting process and the annual practice of green harvesting to lower production in order to maximize the wine's concentration.

REFERENCES :
- Guide Hachette des Vins 93: Citation for the vintage 1989
- Guide Hachette des Vins 94: Citation for the vintage 1990
- Le Nez du Vin: 4 vineleaves "+", the highest achievable decoration, awarded by Jean Lenoir for the vintage 1989 and 1990

Extract from the Guide Hachette des Vins:
Château "La Tour Robert"

"Selection originated from old vines found on sandy-gravelly soil.
Although made of 65% Merlot, the cabernet-franc is well present with 35%.
Vatting is completely done in new casks. The result is a wine meant for aging that has character and a beautiful dark maroon robe.
The nose is still dominated by a boisé de qualité of vanilla, toasted almonds, butter, and resin. The wine has substance in your mouth, strong, sharp, heavy-set and still offering a very woody flavor."

Chateau Bodet, Canon-Fronsac

"The origin of this vineyard dates back many centuries. Some title deeds are anterior to the time when Guyana depended on the British crown (from the XII ^th to the XV ^th century).

On these clayey and chalky brows, that face South, sheltered from the North winds and frost, we have carefully preserved ancient vines that, although they yield little, provide a very noble wine. The average yearly production: 200 barrels.
 
Thanks to good wine-making, the Château Bodet wine joins with the generosity of the Canon-Fronsac for a softness and delicacy that make it the best of St Emilion wines.".

(Bordeaux et ses Vins, [Feret and Son, 1991], 1540)

The 32 acres of the Château Bodet vineyards are 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet.
 
The appellation produces rich wines that are rustic, with a spicy perfume.
They harmonize well with red meat, simmered dishes, meats cooked in sauces, and even spicy dishes.
 
Thanks to its "strong" structure, the Chateau Bodet wine shows an outstanding aptitude for prolonged aging in the good vintages.