| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château Gracia
From very small yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare, this wine flirted with perfection on each occasion I tasted it. It is a sensational effort - if you can find it. The wine is dense purple and stunningly rich, with lots of crushed rock and chalky notes from the limestone soils as well as blueberry and black berry liqueur intermixed with some smoky barbecue and an aroma that reminded me of tea-smoked duck. Thick, rich and full, its glycerine and concentration hide some rather lofty tannins This is another prodigious effort from proprietor Michel Gracia - it's just a shame he doesn't make more wine.
Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. Gracia has always been one of the best of the garagistes and the 2010 deserves consideration. It has a very high-toned bouquet with black cherries liquorice and a touch of star anis. It is open knit and generous but perhaps missing a little focus. The palate is medium-bodied with good structure and grip. Real cohesion and firmness in the mouth, nicely balanced with an intense yet controlled finish. Excellent. Tasted January 2014.
Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Gracia opens with notes of sweaty leather, smoked meats and tapenade over a core of baked plums, fruitcake and potpourri. Full-bodied, the palate has a racy line and firm, chewy tannins supporting the evolved, earthy fruit, finishing a little drying, tart and rustic. Drink 2020-2035.
Modern style. Rich, dense and inky. Big extract but trying a little too hard.
It is a shame that former stonemason (now retired) Michel Gracia has so little wine to sell. With less than 5 acres of vines, and ridiculously low crop yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare, there will only be 5,400 bottles of the 2010 Gracia, which achieved 14.5% natural alcohol. Reminiscent of Ausone (even though the blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon is different), the 2010 Gracia boasts an inky/purple color as well as an unmistakable rock-like liqueur, loads of blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit and hints of camphor as well as truffles. With great intensity, full-bodied power, stunning length and texture and huge tannins, this cuvee needs 7-10 years of cellaring and should keep for three decades or more.
