Légende, a collection of Bordeaux wines from storied producer Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), is crafted with an accessible and modern perspective. Five wines that reflect the major Bordeaux appellations in a classic yet easy-drinking style bridge the mystique of Bordeaux with the tradition of everyday wine drinking.
Courtesy of Taub Family Selections
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Courtesy of Taub Family Selections
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Courtesy of Taub Family Selections
The Rothschild family, responsible for many of the most prestigious wines in the region, created these wines as an offshoot of a request from family and friends, to make wines that could be enjoyed often, classic style with a lighter, fresher character. Their winemaking team used fruit from Lafite’s own vineyards, along with purchased grapes from other properties, to produce a Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBR) house-style wine. Billed as “Légende, the taste of elegance”, these wines offer a link to Grand Vins winemaking, made under the supervision of their head winemaker, Diane Flamand. The Bordeaux Blanc and Rouge are sourced from the Entre-Deux-Mers area, while the Médoc and Pauillac come from Lafite’s vineyards, and Saint-Emilion from a partner vineyard in the designated area.
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Recently, I had the opportunity to sample two of the 2016 wines, and here are my impressions:
Légende Médoc 2016 (SRP $24.99)
The vintage 2016 has been compared to 1990 in terms of quality and quantity yet it was a difficult year for winegrowers. A wet Spring led to a very dry Summer, with Fall thunderstorms that ended in a long warm spell before harvest. The Left Bank fared best under these conditions, with Cabernet Sauvignon making the best wines. Médoc is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, an elegant, structured wine that really channels the aromas and flavors of Bordeaux. Red fruit, accented by spice notes, offers a silky and full-bodied profile, framed by dense tannins.
The vintage 2016 has been compared to 1990 in terms of quality and quantity yet it was a difficult year for winegrowers. A wet Spring led to a very dry Summer, with Fall thunderstorms that ended in a long warm spell before harvest. The Left Bank fared best under these conditions, with Cabernet Sauvignon making the best wines. Médoc is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, an elegant, structured wine that really channels the aromas and flavors of Bordeaux. Red fruit, accented by spice notes, offers a silky and full-bodied profile, framed by dense tannins.
Légende Saint-Emilion 2016 (SRP $36.99)
Composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine is elegant and refined on the nose. Smooth and toasty, this is a more earthy wine, with licorice and oak notes more dominant than the fruit on the palate. A silky body and a graphite-tinged finish lend a freshness to the overall structure.
Composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine is elegant and refined on the nose. Smooth and toasty, this is a more earthy wine, with licorice and oak notes more dominant than the fruit on the palate. A silky body and a graphite-tinged finish lend a freshness to the overall structure.
Both wines are round and well-balanced, but should be opened at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before pouring, while a decant and swirling will reveal their depth of flavor and generous structure. Savory and well-integrated, both wines pair well with a variety of food, and are friendly by the glass. Well-priced for this level of refinement, the Légende Wine Collection offers ready to drink pleasure upon release, a welcome departure from the patience required for Grands Crus wines. And if you think Bordeaux is only for cold weather drinking, think again! Their medium alcohol and balance make for great summer-time drinking as well, fabulous with grilled meats and chicken, and all the party trappings.