Château Rahoul Graves Double Magnum 2015

Château Rahoul Graves Double Magnum 2015: A Bordeaux Blend for Grand Occasions

Savour a rare gem from Graves: the Château Rahoul Graves Double Magnum 2015. This exceptional red Bordeaux offers a captivating blend of elegance, power, and ageing potential. Presented in a majestic double magnum format (3L), perfect for sharing with loved ones at special celebrations, this wine promises a truly unforgettable drinking experience.

Unveiling the 2015 Vintage:

The 2015 vintage in Bordeaux is considered a shining star, nestled between the acclaimed 2014 and the promising 2016 and 2017. Ideal sunshine and warmth blessed the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, resulting in wines praised for their exceptional balance, ripe fruit flavours, and a captivating structure. The Château Rahoul Graves 2015 exemplifies these qualities, offering a Bordeaux blend that is both approachable in its youth and possesses the potential to age gracefully for years to come.

A Blend with Finesse: Grape Varietals and Vinification

This Château Rahoul Graves is a masterful blend of three classic Bordeaux red grapes:

• Merlot: The dominant grape, contributing its characteristic charm, supple tannins, and notes of black cherry and plum.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Adding structure, depth, and aromas of blackcurrant and cassis.
• Petit Verdot: A small yet crucial part, offering a touch of elegance and savoury complexity.

The grapes are meticulously hand-sorted to ensure only the finest quality fruit reaches the winery. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, allowing for the preservation of fresh fruit character. Partial malolactic fermentation, a natural process that softens acidity, further enhances the wine's smoothness. The blend then undergoes ageing in oak barrels (30% new) on fine lees, adding complexity and subtle hints of vanilla and spice.

A Sensory Exploration: Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine boasts an intense, deep ruby colour, hinting at its richness and concentration.
• Aroma: On the nose, a complex bouquet unfolds, revealing enticing aromas of fresh blackberries, smoky notes, and hints of blackcurrant.
• Palate: The first sip introduces a taut structure with beautifully silky tannins. Layers of fresh, dark Merlot fruit interweave with the tannic finesse and blackcurrant notes imparted by the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. This balance creates a full-bodied and captivating drinking experience. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a touch of spice on the palate.

Food Pairing Recommendations:

The Château Rahoul Graves 2015 Double Magnum is a versatile food pairing companion. Its structure and depth allow it to stand up to a variety of dishes, making it ideal for a celebratory meal. Here are some suggested pairings to fully enjoy this exceptional wine:

• Roasted red meats: Pair the Château Rahoul Graves with a classic roast leg of lamb, a succulent ribeye steak, or a hearty venison casserole. The wine's tannins will complement the richness of the meat, while the fruit flavours will enhance the savoury notes.
• Game: This Bordeaux blend is a perfect match for game birds like pheasant, duck, or grouse. The wine's complexity will cut through the gaminess of the meat, resulting in a harmonious pairing.
• Hard cheeses: Enjoy the Château Rahoul Graves with mature cheddar cheese, Gruyère, or Comté. The cheese's richness will balance the wine's tannins, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.
• Slow-cooked dishes: Hearty stews, braises, and slow-cooked casseroles pair beautifully with this wine. The long cooking process intensifies the flavours of the dish, creating a perfect match for the wine's depth and complexity.

Double the Celebration: The Significance of the Double Magnum

The Château Rahoul Graves Double Magnum format elevates the drinking experience to a new level. Containing twice the amount of a standard bottle (750ml), this larger format is ideal for momentous occasions. Here's why a double magnum is the perfect choice:

• Sharing and Celebration: A double magnum allows you to share this exceptional wine with a larger group of friends and family, creating a memorable experience for all.
• Enhanced Ageing Potential: The larger bottle format provides a more stable environment for the wine to mature, potentially allowing it to age for even longer than a standard bottle.
• A Statement Piece: The impressive size of the double magnum makes a powerful statement on your dinner table, adding a touch of grandeur to any special occasion.

In Conclusion:

The Château Rahoul Graves Double Magnum 2015 is a remarkable Bordeaux blend that offers a captivating combination of elegance, power, and ageing potential. Presented in a majestic double magnum format, this wine is perfect for sharing.