Tech Notes
Wine Details
International Wine Report
Wine Enthusiast
By Chateau de Ribebon
2020 Bordeaux Superieur 'Reserve' Single Estate
Producer Notes
The Alain Aubert family comes from the winemaking tradition of Bordeaux's Right Bank. For several decades, Alain, his wife Bernadette, and their three daughters have fine-tuned and perfected their craft. To celebrate their achievements, their US importer and close friend, Serge Dore, created this special and exclusive set of new labels and wines, all proudly bearing the 'Famille Alain Aubert' across the top to honor the family's work.
Vintage
In 2020 in Bordeaux, the heat and rainfall pattern produced an interesting paradox: the 2020 vintage was very warm. The first part of the year, which induced early flowering, was significantly warmer than 2018 or 2019, but the heart of the summer was marginally cooler. Overall, 2020 was as warm as the baking 2018, but not as intensely hot during the summer. The intensity of the rainfall (received as cloudbursts rather than prolonged rain) has given 2020 the highest rainfall between March and September of the past decade - even more than the soggy 2013 - and more than 15 percent above the 30-year average. The 2020 Bordeaux vintage ended as a really good year, with wines of outstanding potential.
Wine Details
The old Cabernet Franc vines thrive in this limestone plateau, expressed as refined elegance and sophistication. The Merlot is completely in its element in the clay soils, showing in the wine as exalted, rich fruit and a poised counterpoint to the structure and tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon. At the same time, this tannic structure is rendered more subtle and delicate by the limestone. Oak-aged for approximately 18 months, this wine is the quintessential marriage of elegance and balance.
Vineyard Details
Altitude: 69.98 meters
Average Vine Age: 60 years on average, with some over 100 years old
Terroir: Limestone and clay soil
Yield: 35 hl/ha
Technical Details
Grape Blend: 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13.50%
Origin: Bordeaux, France
Appellation: Bordeaux Superieur
Winemaking: Four to five days of fermentation, 20 to 25 days of maceration
Food Pairings
Enjoy with grilled meats such as beef, duck, venison, etc.
[Information provided by Serge Dore Selections]
Unit Size | 750.00 ML |
Varietal | Red Blend
|
Vintage | 2020 |
Grape | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc |
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux
|
CHATEAU DE RIBEBON Bordeaux Superieur, Reserve 2020
Rating: 92
Producer: Chateau Ribebon
Vintage: 2020
Drink: 2023-2029
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Bordeaux Superieur
Value: $55
Report Date: August, 2023
Editor: J. D’Angelo
The 2020 Chateau De Ribebon Bordeaux Superieur Reserfve [sic] begins with aromatics of cherries and plums, which come together with tobacco, iron, spices and tobacco nuances all taking shape. On the palate this is medium-bodied and polished and velvety. It possesses a lovely texture and that carries it into the finish. While this should continue to age well over the course of the next decade, it is drinking beautifully right now.
Chateau de Ribebon 2020 Reserve (Bordeaux Superieur)
From: Bordeaux Superieur, Bordeaux, France
Rating: 90
Winery: Chateau de Ribebon
Region: Bordeaux
Alcohol: 13.5%
Variety: Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Wine Type: Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Issue Date: 10/1/2023
A well-balanced wine, this is structured and still young. It has spice and toast as well as juicy black fruits. The wine is on its way, but should not be drunk before 2025.
Reviewed By: Roger Voss