Did you know City Cellars is home to a few hidden treasures, namely some wines with a few years behind them? In this blog series, we feature a special vintage wine that we have in store, with information about the wine, the vintage, the producer and the cost.
2006 Château Hosanna
Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
Producer
Located in the heart of Pomerol’s central plateau, Château Hosanna is a jewel of a vineyard surrounded by some of the most acclaimed crus of the Pomerol appellation — Château Lafleur to the north; Château Petrus to the east; Château La Fleur-Pétrus to the west; Vieux Château Certan to the south.
Château Hosanna has a long and rich history in the region.Before being purchased by Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix in 1999, Hosanna was formerly known as Château Certan Giraud, considered one of the premier crus of Pomerol beginning in the 1950s. Before this, it was part of the de May family estate, who settled on this central plateau in the 1700s and planted one of the first vineyards of the Pomerol appellation there. Only the highest parcels of land were selected for Château Hosanna in its current incarnation, and the vineyard has a terroir of red gravel and clay which produces wines of elegance and complexity. The 4.5 hectares vineyard is planted to 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc; the Cabernet Franc in particular is largely old vines from the 1950s which contribute a unique complexity to the cru.
Though a relatively newer producer in the region, Château Hosanna is certainly one to watch. Their wines are rich, complex, full bodied and concentrated, displaying the elegance and charm Pomerol is known for. And not much wine is made at this small estate — only ~1,500 cases per year.
Vintage characteristics
2006 wine from Bordeaux is the product of an interesting vintage. After the cold and wet winter, the growing season got off to a good start in June and July. Both months were hot, dry and sunny. Things slipped back in August, as the entire month was cool and wet. September got off to a hot start, but what happened next, changed everything in the region. By the time the grapes were ready to harvest in September, it started raining and never stopped, raining in every appellation in both the Left Bank and the Right Bank. But, because Pomerol is always the first region to pick, they avoided most of the rain! 2006 Bordeaux wine from Pomerol is highly regarded.
Winemaking
This limited production wine is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from the finest sections of the estate, with an average vine age of 40 years.
Château Hosanna uses thermoregulated concrete vats and since 2004, they added a few stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank. The wine is then aged in close to 50% new French oak barrels for 16 to 18 months.
Taste profile
13.5% ABV
Deep ruby
Aromas: Roasted coffee, truffle, licorice, caramel, mocha, black cherry and black currant fruit.
Palate: Packed with ripe, juicy plums, truffle and chocolate covered cherries. Sensual texture, full-bodied depth and stunning length. Harmonious balance with fresh tannins.
Serve the wine around 15-16 degrees Celsius — this cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.
Château Hosanna is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted braised and grilled dishes. It is also good with Asian dishes and hearty fish courses.
Aging
At 15 years old, this wine is reaching peak drinkability, but could be cellared for another 15 years. Decant the wine to allow it to soften and open its perfume, as well as remove any sediment.
Price
We price this wine at $169.33.
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