PV Tasting Notes
This overachieving St Emilion has been making some incredible wines for the money, so much so, it is now better known in the trade as “Cote de Value” the 2008 exhibits a saturated purple colour, with thick juicy aromas and flavours of black cherry jam, mixed with spicy new oak, impressively textured with admiral layers of fruit and glycerine, wonderful acidity to balance, this is by far and away the top wine of the vintage within its price range, certainly I could not find it’s equal.
Independent Review86 Points Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate May 2011
Slightly austere, but well-made and pure, the 2008 Cote de Baleau displays leafy, earthy, tobacco notes intermixed with sweet and sour cherries and red currants. There is a dusty, loamy soil undertone as well. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.
87-89 Points Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate April 2009
After a disappointing 2006, it is good to see this estate return to form with a very good effort in 2008. A blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, it possesses a dark ruby/purple color, a sweet nose of black currants, cherries, roasted herbs, and earth, medium body, sweet, charming tannin, a hint of minerality, and fresh acids. I was surprised to learn it hit 13.5% natural alcohol. Drink it over the next decade.
Chateau Cote de Baleau or as we call it “Cote de Value” is a great little eight hectare estate using modern wine making techniques on good Limestone terroir, to produce a mere 3000 cases each year. The vines are made up of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Although easy on the palate early, these can mature beautifully after 5-8 years in bottle. This small property is managed by Sophie Fourcade, who also runs Les Grand Murailles and Clos St Martin all to be found in Saint Emilion.