“The Hachette Guide to French Wines” (“Guide Hachette des Vins de France“) is very much like a Michelin Red Guide to French wine. Despite competition from the New World, French wine is still the most highly regarded in the world. Eight hundred French experts have put 28,000 wines through the most rigorous of tests to produce this reference book. Unlike other guides this one does not accept advertising and all wines are judged on blind tastings.
Published annually, the book contains information, notes and addresses and maps of each wine-growing region. The information covered includes: the year of wine tasted; the quality of the wine; the kind of wine; best/exceptional years; whether it was matured in the barrel or a tank; the number of bottles produced; the address/email address/name of the proprietor; area cultivated; thermo-regulation; and sales on site. Wines can be referenced via the region, name of the wine, appellation, or via the producer/co-operative/merchant. In addition there is a practical section on everything from reading the label to pairing wine with food. The result is a guide to the very best of French wines.
It was released just last week. Presently it is available only in French. The English version is released one year later.
As promised, the translation of their notes on our Bordeaux Superior and our Grand Cru as cited in the most recent Guide Hachette:
Château PLAISANCE 2005
St Emilion Grand Cru
This property, located on the road from Saint-Emilion to Branne, was bought in 2006, by Derek EGAN.
The 2005 vintage plays on subtlety. In the glass, ruby mixes with garnet-red. The bouquet, still discreet, opens with aeration, with notes of vanilla and truffle, and a light wood nose. The mouth is soft, warm, well balanced by enduring tannins. After one or two years of patience, you will open this bottle for any opportunity.
LA TOUR de BERNADON 2005
Bordeaux Superior
It was the last vintage before Derek EGAN bought the property in 2006.
This 2005 offers an expressive and enduring nose of plums, apricots, peaches and fresh oak.
Charm, roundness, fresh in the mouth in harmony with the nose, mellow and soft tannins: this wine is very well made.
To enjoy right now.
“The Hachette Guide to French Wines” is currently viewed in the wine world as being the most authoritative. We are honored that they included us in this edition.
