$60
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot
This wine is ruby red with purple reflections. The expression of black fruit, toasted almond, vanilla and slightly smoky notes develops when swirling the wine in a glass. On the palate, secondary flavors of cigar box, tobacco, and creosote add complexity. A powerful, round mouthfeel with pleasant tannins.
In Stock At our temperature controlled facility in Costa Mesa, CA
The Château des Antonins is housed in a 13th century convent that was built for the monks of the order of Saint Antoine. After the French Revolution, the property passed into the Roquefeuil family, and in 1985 Geoffroy and Martine Roquefeuil took over this historic property along with its vineyards. The domaine is located in Pondaurat on the left bank of the Garonne near the Graves appellation.
The domaine consists of 24 hectares of red grapes, and 3 hectares of white within the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellations. The reds are planted 53% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The white vineyards are 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. The final blend for the red and white wines varies each year according to the harvest.
Sustainable farming.
The name of the estate « Chateau des Antonins » comes from the St Antoine hospitallers whom established themselves in this former convent around the 13th century. The monastic order was founded to heal patients suffering from St Anthony’s fire – later called ergotic poisoning. The monks treated this illness thanks to healthier food – the famous saint Antoine’s pig – but more importantly thanks to the concoction of a secret drink with extraordinary therapeutic properties. The Saint Vinage is made with a wine base mixed with herbs. The Antonins’s commandery still remains an halt to the pilgrims travelling to the shrine of Santiago de Compostella. Of this era remains a fine collection of buildings dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries including; the convent, chapel, the “toll” bridge, the water mill, all listed as “historical monuments”. In 1985, Geoffroy de Roquefeuil revive the the winemaking traditions of the hospitallers. He gradually restructured the old monks’ estate and joined the Abbeys Wines association. In 2016, Antoine, the aptly named, joins the family team and takes care of all the production.
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Known inherently as the best red grape variety in the world, Cabernet Sauvignon is the epitome of a perfect international traveller. Boasting strong black fruit flavors, It can give distinct characteristics varying by the region and soil it comes from. These bold, concentrated, and age-worthy wines can lay down roots and thrive all around the world.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc originating from Bordeaux, France. The rich flavor and high tannin make a perfect pair to flavorsome red meats or simply elegant on their own.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
The largest region within France, Bordeaux has made quite the name for itself with its prestigious producers and fine wines. Bordeaux, having a moderate maritime climate, sees much influence from the nearby gulf stream including warming effects, rainfall and humidity which is why you’ll find a number of their vineyards closer to the ocean with a high gravel soil content. You may hear the term “Bordeaux Blend” thrown around or used in other countries pertaining to their wines that are made from multiple “Bordeaux” grape varietals and blended together. When this term is used it means the winemaker has included these 5 main grape varietals that are traditional to the Bordeaux region: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Customary white grape varieties from Bordeaux are Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. In the famous regions of Sauternes and Barsac you’ll find these classic white grapes used to make top quality sweet wine.
Bordeaux has many distinguished appellations within the large region often characterized by “left bank” or “right bank.” The Dordogne and Garonne rivers form the Gironde Estuary that divides the Bordeaux vineyards into these separate “banks.” Falling on the left bank are the principal districts of Médoc/Haut-Médoc, Graves and Sauternes. Within each of these districts lies smaller appellations home to some of the most famous Château houses around the world. On the opposite side, Saint-Émilion and Pomerol make up the right bank where a vast majority of the Merlot grape is grown.