Dourthe Parcellaires: a new concept from this Bordeaux firm
This is a new series of limited edition bottlings that Dourthe have released to challenge the Bordeaux concept of blending. Just 2500 bottles of each of these three wines will be released, looking to highlight terroir. They are each from the 2020 vintage, and the good news is that they aren’t super expensive, retailing in France at around €20. [These notes are from samples that came in 100 ml glass tubes.]
Dourthe Les Parcellaires Semillon ‘54’ 2020 Graves, Bordeaux
12.5% alcohol. This comes from two different soils at Château Rahoul (luvisol, which is deep sandy gravels, and calcisol, which is clay based formed by the decomposition of hard limestone), and is a varietal Semillon (vines planted 1954), two-thirds in barrel and one-third in amphora. This is textured and layered with real personality: pears, green apple and grapefruit, with a slight smokiness. There’s also a hint of mint and some aniseed character. Combines richness with superb balance. Generous, textured, chalky and harmonious. 93/100
Dourthe Les Parcellaires Peykem 2020 Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
Cabernet Franc from Château Reysson, from three different sorts of clay-limestone soils. Fermented in stainless steel, then aged in amphorae. Lovely aromatic gravelly nose with sweet chalky green-tinged cherry and blackcurrant fruit. The palate has nice texture and sweet blackcurrant fruit with a chalky, grainy structure. Fresh with a hint of mint. This is the essence of Cabernet Franc with a sweet, gravelly, chalky texture. 93/100
Dourthe Les Parcellaires La Gravière 2020 Graves, Bordeaux
Cabernet Sauvignon from Château Rahoul, with four different soil types all based on deep gravels. Aged two-thirds in amphorae and one-third in used barrels. Brooding spicy blackcurrant frit nose, with lovely perfume. The palate is grainy and grippy with bright blackcurrant fruit and a sappy, slightly green edge. Fresh, green-tinged and nicely structured. 91/100
