Review: Ch. Greniere 2008 Double Magnum

The low-down: Chateau de la Greniere hails from Lussac St Emilion and is known as one of the four satellites of St Emilion. The commune is quite large, 900 ha under vine, with 95 producers. Lussac produces merlot dominated blends similar to but lighter than St Emilion AOC. This domaine has 15 ha under vine and is owned by the Dubreuil family.

Today we're opening a Double Magnum with a volume of three liters (four standard bottles) ... Merry Christmas! Don't confuse your bottle-clature ... a three liter sized bottle is known as a Double Magnum in Bordeaux but a Jeroboam in Champagne and Burgundy. This retails for E55 in France, good value we think!

The take: On appearance, a very dark cherry red, viscous legs. On the nose, gravel, polished wood, red fruits, with hints of fairy floss and sour cream. The nose remains quite closed though. On the attack, smooth, very rich, good acidity, cocoa, pepper and spice. A little grainy. The wine has strength without being alcoholic. Complex, with time an abundance of flavors: raisins, coffee, blueberry, hints of peanut, herbaceous (the cab franc peaks through).

In closing: Rich, smooth, multi-faceted, good value.

Rating: 8 out of 10.

Fact corner:

Country: France

Region: Lussac St Emilion (AOC)

Producer: Chateau de la Greniere

Vintage: 2008

Grape: Merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc

Alcohol content: 13.0%

Serving temperature: n/a

Volume: Double magnum

Price range: Premium

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