Review: Couvent Jacobins 2004 St Emilion GCC
- vinterest
- Feb 19, 2015
- 2 min read
The low-down: We have known the family behind Couvent des Jacobins, a St Emilion Grand Cru Classe for many years. Their 11 ha vineyard, situated at the top of the medieval village, is one of only two located within the city of St Emilion. The convent was built in the 13th century and the proprietor, Rose-Noelle Borde, notes its wines were sold to the English and French court as early as the 14th century by the Jacobins religious brotherhood! 11 meters underground is a quarry with 1km of tunnels which are now used as cellars.
The vineyard has been within the same family's ownership since 1902. They grow mainly merlot (but also cabernet franc and petit verdot), from 45 year old vines, in a lighter style than some of its peers, but still with ageability. They follow traditional, low-interventionist wine-making processes.
The family were kind enough to gift us this 2004 vintage - a blend of merlot and cabernet franc with 13.0% alcohol. Later St Emilion vintages typically have 14.0-14.5% explained by: (i) global warming resulting in hotter summers, bigger grapes with more sugar, which then ferment higher alcohol content; and (ii) to appease the demands of the "Parker" crew (apparently your typical American drinker) who prefer more alcoholic wines.
Couvent's 2010 vintage was awarded a highly recommended by Decanter in their November 2013 edition. We tasted this last year and gave it a score of 8 out of 10.
For Dubai residents Le Clos offers the 2007 vintage.
Compare this to our reviews of other St Emilion including:
- 1991 grand cru classe: Chateau Trimoulet
- 2006 grand cru classe: Chateau Fombrauge
- 2006: Chevaliers de Lanezac.
- 2007 grand cru classe: Chateau Corbin
The take: A dark, ruby red appearance; transparent; no legs. A floral nose, with chalk, gamey leather, forest floor and blackberry. A sour and acidic attack! With time, silky smooth on the palate, very peppery, with hints of tobacco, spice and blackberry.
In closing: Silky smooth but a bit too peppery.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: France
Region: St Emilion Grand Cru Classe (AOC)
Producer: Couvent des Jacobins
Vintage: 2004
Grape: Merlot, cabernet franc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Serving temperature: 18-20°
Price range: Mid-range
Comments