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The FT reported how Chinese buyers are snapping up fine 2007 clarets. Why? Because they're deliciously ready to drink. This was where this fine Graves was destined. The deal fell through and Buyer Jean-Marc scooped it up. A supple mellow claret.
Tasting notes
Supple, evolved fruit cake with hints of leather and oak
Aroma
Leather, spice and red fruits
More information
Home to some of Bordeaux’s finest properties (including Premier Cru Haut-Brion), the Graves appellation is renowned for its ageworthy clarets. Château des Graves is the historic 16th century estate of the Butler family. Related to the aristocratic Butlers of Kilkenny Castle, this branch left Ireland for France in the 17th century. In Bordeaux they gained the noble title ‘de Butler’. Arnaud de Butler became proprietor of Château des Graves in 2008, bringing to an end the Lamothe family’s 200 year ownership of the estate. In the cellar, Arnaud was delighted to discover stocks of some older vintages. We were the lucky recipient (thanks to a fall-through deal) of the 2007. Stand the bottle up for a few hours to allow any sediment to drop.