DBR (Lafite) has a line of wines, Les Légendes, a line which they say displays that Bordeaux has been in their roots for generations. The aim of Les Légendes is to let individual appellations in Bordeaux speak for themselves, hopefully bringing a better understanding of the diversity of the Bordeaux region to consumers.
A recent virtual tasting event, hosted by DBR winemaker Diane Flamand, explored five Bordeaux wines from various notable regions - Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and Pauillac. The wines were made under Flamand's supervision, as they have been since 2004.
The grapes for the Saint-Émilion, Pauillac and Médoc wines came from DBR (Lafite)'s own vineyards, while the Bordeaux red and white blends were sourced from partner growers in the Entre-Deux-Mers region. Flamand said during the tasting event that she purchases the Entre-Deux-Mers bottlings as finished wines, from trusted partners.
Flamand noted that the Les Légendes wines were made to be immediately drinkable and easy to understand. She did not want anyone to think that these wines had to be cellared for a decade or two before enjoying them.
Les Légendes Saint-Émilion 2016
This wine is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. A Merlot-heavy mix is customary in Saint-Emilion. Aging took place over a full year, but only 40% of the juice saw oak. The winery describes the 2016 vintage as remarkable, a growing season which started wet, turned dry, got wet again and ultimately sported a surprise warm spell at the end. Alcohol hits 13.5% abv and the wine retails for $40.
This very dark wine gives off a nose of anise, plums and blackberries, with a savory edge of leather and tar, or forest floor. The palate offers an exquisite example of Bordeaux - smooth and savory at the five-year mark. The tannins are fine and sweet, but are more than able to help out with a pot roast, beef stew or pork dish.
Les Légendes Médoc 2018
The folks at DBR (Lafite) identify Cabernet Sauvignon as the star of the Médoc, and they say this wine gives the star its proper stage. The wine is 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, with 3 to 9 months of aging in vats, 50% or which were oak. Alcohol checks in at 14.5% abv and the wine retails for $26.
This wine shows a medium-dark ruby tint in the glass. Its nose is laden with dark fruit - blackberry, plum, currant - and laced with licorice, leather and sweet oak spice. The palate puts on an amazing display of fruit while serving up a savory side that stops just short of bramble. The tannins are firm and the finish lingers quite a while. It is a delicious wine.
Les Légendes Pauillac 2017
Pauillac is an appellation within Médoc. It is noted for its gravel-on-clay soil, which drains well and helps the vines grow deep roots. Cabernet Sauvignon leads the way here at 65% of the composition, while Merlot makes up the rest. Alcohol reaches only 12.5% abv and the retail price is $54.
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