Vineyard and winemaking
This Cuvée Spéciale comes from Domaine de Viaud's Merlot-dominant vineyards on the sandy and gravelly soils of Lalande-de-Pomerol. Cabernet Franc provides a fresh, fragrant counterpoint to the richness encouraged by the celebrated 2000 Bordeaux growing season.
Made with minimal intervention, the wine was matured for around 22 months in concrete rather than new oak. This patient élevage protected the estate's traditional savoury character and allowed the fruit and tannins to settle naturally over more than two decades in bottle.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep garnet shading to brick red at the rim.
Nose
Blackberry preserve, plum and dried cherry unfold into cigar box, autumn leaf, black truffle and sweet spice.
Palate
Round and velvety, retaining a core of dark Merlot fruit beneath the tobacco and earthy maturity. The tannins are polished, acidity remains composed, and the finish lingers with cedar, cocoa and savoury spice.
Food pairing
Pair with roast saddle of lamb, beef and ale pie, venison haunch with juniper, or baked field mushrooms with thyme and breadcrumbs. Its fuller mature profile can also accompany Montgomery Cheddar.
Background story
Domaine de Viaud is a 13-hectare family estate in Lalande-de-Pomerol, founded by Marius Bielle in the 1940s and taken forward by his daughter Lucette from 1982. Merlot dominates the sandy and gravelly vineyards, supported by Cabernet Franc. The estate is now certified organic and biodynamic, with Damien Bielle returning to the property in 2020.
The estate's practice of retaining stocks of stronger vintages began with Marius Bielle and continued through later generations, making mature releases such as this possible. Stand the bottle upright before opening and decant gently for sediment; taste immediately and allow further air only if the wine welcomes it.
