"Producer note:
Thierry Matrot has a way with fashioning striking comparisons, observing that "as bad as the growing season was in 2008 is as good as it was in 2009. We began picking on the 9th of September and brought in only moderate yields in the regional and villages vineyards as the hail damage the vines suffered in 2008 definitely served to reduce the crop in 2009. Happily, yields in the 1ers was normal, which is to say in the 42 to 43 hl/ha range for the whites and a bit less for the reds." Note that "Domaines Matrot" refers to Domaine Pierre Matrot and Domaine Thierry et Pascale Matrot. Thierry Matrot is the winemaker for both and the wines are identical. (the Pierre Matrot wines are distributed by Diageo Château and Estate Wines, www.diageowines.com, NY, NY. Vineyard Brands, www.vineyardbrands.com, Birmingham, AL distributes the Thierry et Pascale Matrot wines; the UK agent is Graham Gardener - other UK sources include James Hanford, Corney & Barrow, www.corneyandbarrow.com, Private Cellar Ltd., www.privatecellar.co.uk and Connolly's Wines, www.connollys-wine.co.uk).
Tasting note:
A distinctly fresher and brighter nose of high-toned red currant and black raspberry trimmed in pretty floral hints marries into rich, round and well-detailed flavors that possess fine verve on the delicious finish. This is on the fruit-driven side at present but there is a lovely sense of harmony and I suspect that this will add depth with time in bottle." (BH)
Winery Notes:
The deepest color in the cellar, also the classiest nose of the wines. Black fruit and chocolate licorice on the palate, very candied and simple, but in a great way. Some caramel and roasted nut nuances and good tannin levels, but there is so much fruit to go along with the tannins they just melt away on the finish. 19.3/20 |
