Bordeaux
The region of Haut Médoc may be one of the most famous in the wine world as it encompasses the appellations of Margaux, Listrac, Moulis, St. Julien, Pauillac and St. Estèphe. Like many châteaux in this illustrious peninsula just north of the city of Bordeaux, the history of Château Pontoise Cabarrus is a long one, one that begins with the Cabarrus family in 1570. Being of Basque origin, the family settled in Capbreton, near Bayonne in the middle of the 16th century. With keen business savvy and growing real estate holdings, this family quickly became known in Bordeaux for its great fortune and it was Jean Valère Cabarrus who purchased well-known Château Lagrange at the end of the 18th century. The acquisition of Château Pontoise soon followed. Today, the château is currently in the hands of François Tereygeol and his wife Odette and still bears the Cabarrus name. Côte Pontoise refers to their second bottling and although the region is known for its Cabernet based powerhouse reds, this offering is primarily Merlot in cépage with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon. Being one whose palate leans to the more Cabernet driven Bordeaux, I was pleasantly surprised by the supple nature of this Merlot inspired Haut Médoc! Being an affordable and interesting alternative to their first label, Côte Pontoise offers incredible drinkability and depth. All of the influence of the Haut Médoc's gravelly soil is prominent in this red yet there is a softness and richness of fruit that is unmistakably Merlot. The nose reveals lively black fruits, black olive, earth and truffle while the palate is warm and inviting with velvety plum and blackcurrant and creamy, toasted oak. With a lingering, soft finish, this intriguing red will warm the soul on even the most frigid of nights. Sit by the fire with your favorite stemware in hand and pour a glass.
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