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The Gaby 2008 is elegant and yet still quite concentrated. On the palate the dark fruit intensity is very high; there are savoury notes with hints of liquorice and chocolate and the spices from the oak ageing are subtler. This is a very round, smooth wine with a certain finesse.
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| Wine Style | Red Wine, Smooth Elegant Red |
|---|---|
| Grape Variety | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc |
| Wine Region | Bordeaux |
| Country | France |
| ABV | 14.0% |
| Oaked | Yes |
| Cork | Yes |
| Lifestyle | Vegan, Vegetarian, Certified Organic |
| Volume | 75cl |
| Drink By | 2030 |
Château Gaby Canon-Fronsac 2008 is typical new-Gaby style, elegant and yet still very concentrated. The weather in 2008 brought hailstorms to some areas of Bordeaux which reduced yields. A rather lacklustre summer was fortunately followed by a hot September which helped to ripen the grapes. In any case Chateau Gaby usually pick late to ensure full phenolic ripeness.
The aromas of Château Gaby Canon-Fronsac 2008 when the wine fully opens (decant the bottle or swirl your glass to aerate the wine if the aromas seem a little shy at first) show fruits such as damsons, ripe plums, mulberries with hints of blackcurrants plus some spice. On the palate the dark fruit intensity is very high; there are savoury notes with hints of liquorice and chocolate and the spices from the oak ageing are subtler. The alcohol level is muted in this vintage due to the lower temperatures and that gives the wine a certain finesse; it is well balanced with the lovely fruit flavours and just the right amount of acidity. This is a very round, smooth wine. For an equally elegant but slightly lighter wine try Princess Gaby.
I came to know, via an ex-colleague, the Gaby wines and the previous Château owner, David Curl. David owned this and Château Moya in nearby Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. I was lucky enough to visit Château Gaby with its renowned river view and to meet the winemaker for both Châteaux, the amiable Damien Landouar. Since that visit Gaby and Moya have seen investment from new owner, Tom Sullivan whom I met in 2019 but unfortunately a fire struck Chateau Gaby in 2022 (the winery was unaffected). Damien remains the wine maker which is great news for both châteaux and for the other châteaux in the Vignoble Sulivan group. So what’s new? New name (previously Château du Gaby), new labelling and both chateaux are now fully organic, certified from 2018 but using organic practices for many years. There’s also a deeper intensity to this wine which is partly an intentional nuance in style.
Recommended wise, tomato-based dishes, mushrooms, roast vegetables etc. At Christmas, Left bank Bordeaux can be too tannic for low fat meat but this right bank Bordeaux with softer tannins is the perfect accompaniment to turkey or roast beef and, given that it is still very fruity, would work well with goose or duck. The producer says “All the wines from Château Gaby pair well with buttery foods, sharp cheeses, roasted meats, and veal.”
Serve at 15 – 17°C; it is worth decanting and letting this wine breathe for an hour or so before serving. There may also be a little sediment.
“Château Gaby is a blend of three grape varieties – Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon – grown on the clay limestone hills of the estate.
This wine is lovely in color: an intense red with bright tints. Hints of pretty, red fruit are complemented by flavors of black fruit in some vintages. Discretely woody undertones highlight the classy nature of this wine. Very ripe, very elegant flavors with slightly toasted and spicy hints linger on the finish.“
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