By Chateau de Ribebon
Reserve 2018 Bordeaux Superieur

Tasting Notes
Chateau de Ribebon's 2018 Reserve opens with mouthwatering notes of cherries and cassis. The fresh floral tones and earthy tones from both the herbs and spices explain what is to come within the first sip. The palate is coated in the medium-body, velvety tannins that carry the notes discovered first within the nose. It expertly glides into a polished finish that leaves you only wanting more.

Vintage
The 2018 growing season had a challenging start. In its first half, the region was met with incredibly wet conditions, which led to a massive regional attack of mildew. However, from mid-July through the harvest, the vineyards bathed in hot, sunny weather. This let winemakers pick their fruit whenever they felt like the fruit had achieved their expectations. Later picked fruit created more tannic, richer wines, while the earlier fruit created fresher and slightly lighter cuvees. This vintage is full of diverse characters and styles yet doesn't stray from the idea of quality one bit.

Terroir
On Bordeaux's right bank, overlooking the Dordogne River and the village of Pessac-sur-Dordogne, the clay-limestone soils of the Ribebon hamlet plateau form the basis of Chateau de Ribebon Reserve Bordeaux Superieur. The vines have full southern sun exposure, allowing for the maximum sun to help bring the fruit to full ripeness. The plateau's clay and limestone soils offer nutritional balance and allow the vines to adapt to climatic variation.

Vineyard
The old Cabernet Franc vines thrive in this limestone plateau as it is expressed in the wine as a 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. This tannic structure is, at the same time, rendered more subtle and delicate by the limestone. Oak-aged for 18 months, this wine is the quintessential marriage of elegance and balance.

Winemakers
The Alain Aubert family comes from the winemaking tradition of Bordeaux's right bank. For several decades now, 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, collaborated to create this special and exclusive set of new labels and wines, all proudly bearing the "Famille Alain Aubert" banner across the top to honor the work of the family.

Wine Details
Origin: Bordeaux, France
Appellation: AOC Bordeaux Superieur
Vineyard: 60-year-old vines on average, with some that are 100 years old
Soil: Limestone and clay
Yield: 35 hl/ha
Blend: 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc
Farming: Sustainable farming practiced
Winemaking: 4-5 days of fermentation, 20-25 days of maceration
Aging: Oak aged for 18 months
Food Pairing: Enjoy with grilled meats such as beef, duck, venison, etc.
[Information provided by Serge Dore Selections]

CHATEAU DE RIBEBON Bordeaux Superieur 'Reserve' 2018
Rating: 92
Drink: 2020-2029
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Bordeaux Superieur
Editor: J. D'Angelo
Issue: August, 2020
Importer: Serge Dore Selections
The 2018 'Reserve' Chateau Ribebon is composed of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. It begins with aromas of cherries and cassis followed by spices, fresh florals and herbs, which all take shape in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannins that frame the core of red fruit flavors as it glides into the polished finish. This is drinking beautifully today but also has the potential to age gracefully for at least a decade.

Chateau de Ribebon 2018 Reserve (Bordeaux Superieur)
Rating: 89
Designation: Reserve
Variety: Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Appellation: Bordeaux Superieur, Bordeaux, France
Winery: Chateau de Ribebon
Category: Red
Importer: Serge Dore Selections
Date Published: 10/1/2020
Reviewed By: Roger Voss
Aged in wood for 18 months, this wine shows powerful tannins as well as a dry core that is still young. The juicy black-currant flavors are still developing, offering good potential for richness and density. Drink the wine from 2022.

Chateau de Ribebon 2018 Reserve Red Blend, Bordeaux Superieur
Rating: 85 Points (Silver Medal - Highly Recommended)
Category: Bordeaux Other Red
Date Tasted: 2/17/2021
Country: France
Alcohol: 14.50%
Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of dark raspberries, black tea, and dried plum with a lightly tannic, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a sleek, medium-length finish with moderate oak flavor. A bold and chewy quaffer for the weeknight table.