2016 Retouche

2016 Retouche

A mere 250 cases (6 barrels) of Retouche is made in 2016. Retouche pays homage to the historical practice of “Hermitaging” wines in Bordeaux during the 1800’s. Winemakers in Bordeaux added Syrah (often from the famous vineyards in Hermitage) to their wines to add warmth, roundness and comfort-characters sometimes missing from the structured, powerful Merlot and Cabernet.

It would be incorrect to simply call Retouche a Cab/Merlot/Syrah (CMS as they call it in parts of the new world). Not just any Syrah would do. It had to be the right parcel added to our Bordeaux blend so it would sit invisibly behind the Cabernet/Merlot blend filling in the gaps. Think of Syrah acting as invisible marionette strings to bring cabernet to life. After all, it wasn’t until the late 1900s that the world learned about this fraudulent practice in Bordeaux.

Please note prices do not include applicable taxes or bottle deposit (PST 10% and GST 5%)
  • The complexity & balance of this wine can be complimented with the south-western French style of cooking with a hint of spicy flavours of the Pyrenees.

    Meat-Based
    Braised rabbit & prune, chicken ballotine and flavours of Périgord black truffles are all lovely matches.

    Plant-Based
    Mushroom & spinach quiche or stuffed peppers with mildly spiced lentils and potatoes are delicious too.

Slideshow Items

  • Bronze Medal

    Youthful cassis and pepper. One for both Bordeaux and Rhone fans. Aging potential +

    OZ Clarke Decanter Magazine International Wine Challenge  |  Tasted: Fall 2020