I discovered the wine company Gironde et Gascogne at a trade tasting a few years back. This is a boutique operation with two chateaux on their roster, both in Bordeaux: Château Ramage La Batisse in the Haut Medoc and Château de Belcier in Castillion.
I was impressed with Ramage La Batisse, which is a very nice Cru Bourgeois. I strongly considered purchasing it for Bacchus Selections, but I couldn’t get the vintage I really wanted. However, it was the Château de Belcier that tickled my fancy, though. Sadly, it wasn’t being imported into the states at that point.
Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
I have always been a fan of this little-known satellite region on the FAR right bank of Bordeaux. This castle-like chateau rises above the quaint town of Salles de Castillon, with about 50 acres of Merlot, with some Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and a small plot of Cabernet Sauvignon. The soils are typical for the area, having a generous mixture of limestone and sandy loess, a great wine-growing combination.
Wine Review
The wine shows burnt cedar and cassis on the nose, followed by ripe strawberry and black cherry compote flavors. A savory note of basil is balanced with an iron core that opens up in the finish with quince and pomegranate. A pretty wine with nice delicate features, but not without gravitas. An excellent purchase.