Cap Royal Rouge 2018 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this lovely, vegan-friendly red wine from Bordeaux that is coming to the LCBO this weekend, as part of the November 27th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Cap Royal, a brand that owes its name to the Cordouan lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Europe. This lighthouse located at the mouth of the Gironde estuary always had a bleak reputation due to the perilous nature of the area. The original lighthouse was built in 1360 and has evolved over the centuries to become the one-of-a-kind, "King of Lighthouses" seen today.

Cap Royal is a brand of La Compagnie Médocaine des Grands Crus, an historical wine merchant that has established itself a key player in the sales of Bordeaux wines around the globe. La Compagnie Médocaine des Grands Crus is a subsidiary of AXA Millésimes, the wine branch of AXA group, and encompasses many of Europe's most renowned wine domaines. More than just a company, La Compagnie Médocaine des Grands Crus is a team of people of who ensure that they provide the highest quality wines possible. This team is led by Jean-René Matignon, a man who was born in Anjou and grew up in a family of winemakers. He actually spent a year in Canada in 1982 working for a wine domaine in British Columbia. Upon returning to France, he developed new vinification techniques with a winemakers association and became known as a perfectionist. In 2013, he worked with La Compagnie Médocaine des Grands Crus to create the Cap Royal brand with the sole objective to offer high quality, yet accessible, Bordeaux wines that can be enjoyed by all.

Certified vegan, this Bordeaux blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted using fruit chosen by Jean-René Matignon and his winemaker partners from specially selected lots that offered quality and complexity. The grapes were fermented in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats, and carefully aged in oak barrels under the regular supervision of Jean-René Matignon to guarantee a quality wine. Let's see how this 2018 Bordeaux red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CAP ROYAL ROUGE 2018 - Vegan, AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#486761) (XD) - $18.95
This blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon has an open and fragrant nose with lovely dark fruited aromas of blackberry, black plum, currant, cassis, wood spice, and vanilla with savoury undertones. On the ripe, medium-full bodied, and structured palate it has dark berry, blackberry, leather, and wood spice flavours, with a hint of jammy notes. Fresh acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the structured tannins are youthful. Savoury, earthy, and cocoa notes linger on the long, drying finish. Highly recommended buy that is enjoyable now, but will reward with a few years in the cellar and drink well towards the end of the decade. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Cap Royal are available through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.