About the Icons
A Monthly Wine Club Selection
The birthplace of ‘Claret’ and home of the famous Haut-Brion, the Graves appellation in Bordeaux is known for its elegantly perfumed, flavorful wines. Graves refers to the gravely terrain—a veritable nirvana for Cabernet Sauvignon, and home to Château de Janicon. Established in the 1980s, Janicon is led by its third generation, winemaker Lou Rochet and her mother, Marie Vincent-Rochet.

Surrounding the estate’s sixteenth-century home and cellars are around 100 acres of mixed vineyard land and wild forest, with oak and chestnut trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. The Rochet family currently has 44 acres under vine, planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with some Petit Verdot and Malbec; the vines range in age from 15 to 50-years-old. The estate is farmed sustainably, planting ground cover between rows to increase biodiversity. No herbicides are used at all; and they have introduced bee hives and even a house for regional bats to help support the local flora and fauna.

A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. The grapes were harvested by hand. Each varietal and parcel were vinified separately. A short, pre-fermentation cold maceration was followed by fermentation with selected yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for one year, in the estate’s underground cellars, to maintain ideal temperature and humidity.

Deep, dark burgundy. Aromas of dark red and black fruits, with savory herbal notes. Rich flavors suggesting dark cherry, black plum and cassis, with notes of pencil shavings, sweet tobacco and cured black olive. Full-bodied and structured with a lovely texture and polished tannins. The finish is long, with great fruit and spice. A fantastic Bordeaux and a superb value!