Durandal was created by Malet Roquefort, proprietors of Grand Cru Château La Gaffeliere, as a modern, accessible rendering of St-Émilion's renowned, solid Merlot/Franc style. A counterpoint to the structured and refined efforts of the Château wines, Durandal is well proportioned with great length of fruit and tannins to suit. A rich cepage of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a quarter of Cabernet Franc, grown to a single, estate owned vineyard on the Cotes de Castillon, vinified by the eminent team of St-Émilion's Grand Cru Château La Gaffeliere.
Vines are planted at altitudes of 100 to150 metres into clay over limestone soils. Grapes are partially by hand harvested before a complete de-stemming. The maritime climes on the right bank of Medoc are heaven sent for wine grapes, but inclement growing seasons or frosts, difficult conditions during flowering or poor summers can result in limited yields. Harvest awaits the vigilance and patience of the vignerons to pick the best of each vintage. The winemaking is modern in philosophy, maximum attention is given to capturing and retaining vibrancy of fruit character. An extended maceration is followed by a cool fermentation and maturation in a selection of new and prior use French oak barrels. Alcohol 14.0%
Dark blue/ red colour. Perfumed nose of berry notes and floral, background cedar, wet pebbles and cassis. An elegant balance of ripe fruits to the palate, solid tannins and seasoned oak in support of plum, cassis and green leaf characters around a rich blackberry core.
