THOMAS BARTON RESERVE PRIVEE MEDOC 2012, 75 CL

This wine is the ultimate homage to Thomas Barton who came to Bordeaux from Ireland in 1725. He quickly became the most important wine merchant in Bordeaux having built a solid reputation among faithful customers all over Europe. He was very much of a pioneer in the Médoc and earned a great deal of respect for his winemaking expertise and intimate knowledge of this famous region. Thomas Barton Réserve Privée Médoc reflects his skill and reputation. The packaging reflects the classic elegance of the 18 th century: a typical “flacon bordelais” bottle – a short capsule – a long cork – and a sober label mentioning the name of the shipper and the appellation.

PRODUCTION

Classification: Appellation Médoc Contrôlée
Winemaker Since the vintage 2008, Christian Veyry well known French winemaker, has joined the project and is working in close
collaboration with Laurent Prada and his team. A partnership of Bordeaux “savoir-faire”: the quality of a Grand “Crus Classé”, a
classified growth, combined with 3 hundred years knowledge of an historical wine-trading house B&G.
Region: Situated on the left bank of the Gironde estuary
Grape Varieties: 48.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48.5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
Soil: A great diversity of soils : gravel, sand, limestone and clay
Climate: Oceanic, mild and humid
Vinification: De-stalked grapes – alcoholic fermentation in 3 vats of only 60 hl, vinified at high temperature (28°C). 1 or 2 pumping over per
day with a peristaltic pomp, maceration (3 weeks) – malolactic fermentation in new oak barrels.
Barrel aging: Ageing in 100% new oak barrels for 18 months (only French oak from the Limousine area, 24 months of seasoning). Barrels
before using for Thomas Barton Reserve are wine-soaked for 3 months with another wine to liberate the oak from their hard
tannins. At the same time the wine benefits from a perfect micro oxygenation which gives the delicacy on this wine.
Viticulture: Old vines (over 25 years old). Low yields (30 hl/ha), hand tending, green harvest and careful selection by different parcels and
“terroir”. Frequent controls of the vineyard throughout the year by our wine-makers. Hand picking into small boxes to avoid
crushing. First selection of the grapes directly in the vineyards, second selection by hand on modern vibrating tables in the cellars.

TASTE

Appearance: Deep garnet red with violet highlights.
Nose: Rich, fruit driven with an explosion of fruit (blackcurrant, plum) combined with flattering toasty and peppery notes when agitated.
Palate: Full, with a great texture and rich mouth flavours. The tannins are velvety and the finish is long with seductive notes of coffee and tobacco.

PRACTICAL

Food Matches: Grilled beef, roasted leg of lamb with fresh herbs, tournedos, strong cheeses. Best at 18°C. Decant !
Wine list comments: Great wine, rich and full-bodied. Exceptional balance. Long and persistent finish (fruity and toasty).