| Appellation |
Sauternes - Barsac |
| Area under vine |
8 hectares |
| Production |
1,700 cases of Grand Vin, 1,000 cases of second wine |
| Soil |
Mainly gravel |
| Cepages |
80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon |
| Elevage |
18 months rotation in vats and barrels |
| Classification |
Cru Bourgeois |
Superbly located between the top Chateaux of Coutet, Climens and Doisy Daene.
Wood is not a major part of this wine as it is fermented in stainless steel and large wooden casks.
The 7 hectare Château Gravas estate is situated amongst the Barsac crus classés on very chalky ground. It produces aromatic wines full of finesse, always offering a powerful finish.
http://www.chateau-gravas.fr/ - French website
2007 VINTAGE
Peter Bourne TheWineMan (Rating 92)
Gravas has a top knotch address alongside Climens, Coutet and Doisy Daene in the heart of the Barsac commune. Its 8-hectares are replanted with 80% semillon, the balance sauvignon blanc. Purity is the theme here with fermentation in stainless steel and ageing in large oak vats. 2007 was a superb sauternes year and it shows in this deliciously drinkable wine. Aromas of lemon meringue pie and apricots nectar greet the nose with a hint of almond kernel complexity. On the palate it's anything but complex (yet) - more a pure expression of intense white stonefruits and fresh pineapple unencumbered by excessive botrytis influences. A hint of spicy aniseed adds interest to this lean, bright and tight wine, the finish refreshed by a flourish of juicy lime acidity. Perfect with a classic tarte citron.
Why I selected this wine - 2009 Bordeaux tasting (Rating 90)
The 2007 Gravas is a better wine than its good 2006, being from the superb 2007 Sauternes vintage. It is bright and spicy and quite racy with honeycomb and a touch of typical Barsac aniseed. It is rich a pungent but not too much, retaining some lovely bright ethereal tones.
