2010 Rahoul
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Tasting notes
65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc from a château constructed in 1646 and today owned by Alain Thiénot. There are 33 ha under vine (just 3 ha of which are planted with white varietals), spread over 54 vineyard plots located in five different communes: Portes, Potensac, Illats, Saint-Selve and Arbanats on sandy-gravel soils. Grapes were hand-picked and sorted by hand on a vibrating table with destemmer and then pressed with inert gas to protect from oxidation. Fermented and then aged in oak barrels for eight months, of which 20% were new, with regular lees stirring. Winemaker Alain Thiénot. Creamy, dairy and plenty of tropical citrus fruit. Lovely waxy texture, fine balance, plenty of concentration and length. Lovely maturity too, at a really lovely stage of life. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Complex notes of lead pencil, damp earth, spice box, and red and black currants characterize this medium-bodied, solidly made wine, which should be drunk over the next decade.
Really creamy on the nose. Savoury oak over ripe fruit with body and freshness. Rounded and full in the mouth. May not have the concentration of some but it makes an attractive whole. (JH)
Dark purple. Very intense nose and colour. Sweet, perfumed start with a little oak influence. Lots of flesh and less freshness than some. Marked structure. (JR)
About the producer
With a long history stretching back to the 17th century, Ch. Rahoul is part of the powerful Dourthe group. Spread over 40 hectares, the property produces both red and white wines.