Chateau Vermont is located in the historic and viticultural heart of the Entre-deux-Mers, a hilly region nicknamed Bordeaux Tuscany with its magnificent landscapes and sunsets. Located 35 km from Bordeaux, the specificity of Chateau Vermont is that it is bordered by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers - the two "seas". Targon is also one of the 9 communes that can claim the appellation Entre-deux-Mers Haut-Benauge. For thousands of years, different periods have shaped the soils of the property that are made up of clay and limestone, retaining the minerals and organic matter which today favor the richness of the wines.
Planted in the shape of an amphitheater, the vineyard - entirely drained - is located on the high limestone plateau of the Entre-deux-Mers between 70 and 100 meters of altitude, benefiting from the climatological influence of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.
The white vines are planted on limestone slab with asteria (extension of Saint-Emilion) - this type of soils is perfectly suited to the Sauvignon. The red vines are planted high up on the hilltops, on deep clay soils (vein of Pomerol) with limestone - a great terroir for Merlot.
Chateau Vermont is a historical property of the Entre-Deux-Mers area. In 1874, it was listed as a "Premier Cru" of the Entre-deux-Mers (Guide Féret 1874 -3rd edition). The estate is now run by husband and wife David and Elisabeth Labat - the 4th generation of the family winegrowers.
After specialized studies in viticulture and oenology, Elisabeth joined the family estate alongside her parents, Jacques and Colette Dufourg. Elisabeth was then joined by husband David, very much involved in wine, and bringing his technical knowledge as well as commercial dynamism. Together they carried out significant renovation work. A brand new winery and bottling cellar were built in just 6 months out of the historic clay outbuildings - investments in modern equipment to improve quality.
After years of practicing sustainable agriculture, Château Vermont obtained HVE level 3 certification. This certification attests to the family commitment to using environmentally friendly processes that promote
Chateau Vermont L'Ame Grand Vin de Bordeaux is made from 40% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 30% Petit Verdot.
L'AME de Vermont represents the culmination of 10 years of dedicated work, derived from select grapes of Chateau Vermont's best parcels, chiseled to be the ultimate extraction of their terroir and Spirit. This cuvée is the Winemaker's soul. It is a reflection of the requirements, precise work and desire to achieve perfection.
A rare and confidential wine, vinified and matured in new oak barrels. Fine wine, elegant and well-balanced, with vanilla notes coming from the oak aging and subtle scents of ripe black and red fruits. A beautiful structure and great aging potential.
La Grande Cuvee du Chateau Vermont Blanc is made from 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Gris.
Traditional blend of "Grand Vin Blanc de Bordeaux", a beautiful wine vinified and matured in barrels. Fine wine, elegant and well-balanced; dominated by Sauvignon (fruitiness), with vanilla notes coming from the oak aging. This wine has beautiful structure and very long-lasting aromas and flavors, providing great aging potential.
Perfect with dish of fish in sauce, scallops, langoustine, and cheeses.
Review:
Some passion fruit, green apple and green mango on the nose, following through to a pure but creamy palate with chalky acidity and elegant citrus and stone-fruit flavors. Drink now."
Vermont La Grande Cuvee Rouge is made from 90% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot.
Produced from the best parcels of the estate, with low yields and optimal maturity, the wine reveals the expression of the Entre-deux-Mers terroir.
The Grande Cuvee boasts a deep ruby color and displays a pleasant bouquet of red berries and plum highlighting the expression of the dominant Merlot. Rich, refined, fruity and deep in structure, the palate shows good concentration and a harmonious balance. Long flavors of ripe fruits and vanilla nuances give way to an elegant cuvee.
Long Shadows Sequel Syrah is made from 95% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
An intensely colored wine with spicy aromas of cassis, smoked meats and a hint of olive tapenade woven throughout layers of black currant, blueberry and a trace of licorice. Wonderfully balanced, with a broad mouth-feel and soft tannins that hold together seamlessly.
Winemaking: Syrah’s delicate skin requires gentle handling during fermentation to extract richness without imparting bitter tannins, so winemaker John Duval uses a variety of techniques to produce a wide spectrum of flavors. A portion of the grapes were fermented using an Australian method known as “rack and return” that requires draining the tank twice daily and gently putting the juice back over the top of the skins. Whole-cluster fermentation was also used to enhance richness and dimension on the palate. Lastly, some of the lots underwent submerged cap fermentation to add structure and enhance the mouthfeel of the finished wine. Aged 18 months in 100% French oak barrels, 65% new.
Review:
Loads of black fruits, smoked game, liquid violets, and cracked pepper notes emerge from the 2018 Syrah Sequel, which has gorgeous Syrah wildness and gaminess, full-bodied richness, a pure, elegant, seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Count me impressed. You could safely put this up with the best Syrah coming out of Washington and California.
-Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points
Riebeek Pinotage is made from 100 percent Pinotage.
The color is an attractive bright, ruby red with a purple rim, typical of a young Pinotage. The flavors of this unique South African cultivar are complex and exciting with ripe plum and fruitcake all beautifully integrated and then finished with subtle oak for a lingering aftertaste.
Lovely with rare beef, barbequed lamb and casseroles. This versatile lighter style of Pinotage is also a lovely combination with spicy chicken.