2011 Domaine A
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Domaine de l’A has a more straightforward bouquet compared to the 2009 and 2010: nicely focused, yet conservative and missing the same degree of vigor as the previous two vintages. The palate is sappy on the entry, quite dense and well balanced with nicely judged acidity. There is a citrus-like element towards the second half that lends tension and vibrancy, with a tang of saltiness on the finish. Drink this now and over the next five or six years. Tasted at Berry Brothers & Rudd vertical with Stéphane Derenoncourt.
Critic scores
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Decanter
More reviews and scores
From the well-known Stephane Derenoncourt’s home estate, Domaine de l’A has been a constant winner since its first vintage. The 2011 offers lots of fleshy black cherry and berry fruit intertwined with mocha, earth and spice aromas that jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored wine. Revealing medium body, excellent texture and impressive purity as well as length, this over-achiever proves its merit in 2011. A sleeper of the vintage, it should be drunk over the next 7-8 years.
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Dark and not terribly expressive on the nose, a touch meaty but floral too. Again has lovely fresh, juicy acidity and generous fruit in the middle – much more expressive on the palate. Tightens up on the finish and lingers. Complete and satisfying. (JH)
Owned by renowned consultant Stephane Derenoncourt and Christine Derenoncourt, this wine is produced from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and reached 13.7% alcohol. Fermented in oak tanks and aged in 40% new oak, there is ample sweet oak, licorice, earth and black raspberry. With soft, round textures, this forward style of wine should drink well on release. theWineCellarInsider.com