Ch. Rahoul

Ch. Rahoul, in the wine appellation of Graves, is a truly historic property - one of the finest in the region and how it is still as affordable as it is, is a mystery to us. The pretty chartreuse was built in 1646 by the Chevalier Guillaume Rahoul and his coat of arms still adorns the label to this day. It became a prominent winery in the late 19th Century and Rahoul was featured in the 2nd edition of the Feret wine guide in 1868 as one of the best wines in the commune of Portets. The current owner is Alain Thienot (of Champagne Thienot) who bought the property in 1986. No expense is spared in either the vineyard or the winery – quite simply they are aiming to produce the best wines possible here. Planted on sandy-gravel soils, with a majority of 75% Merlot, the style of the red is always voluptuous and rounded. In a great vintage such as 2005, Rahoul produces wines of extraordinary opulence and richness. The palate has that reassuring touch of Graves minerality which reminds you that are still in Bordeaux and that their wines are very complex indeed.