As the courses were finishing, and all great things come to an end, the food and the wines were truly enjoyable at Vertical Detroit, and sponsored by the Fine Wine Source of Livonia, Michigan.  The wines were all from Chateau Gaby and their umbrella group Vignobles Sullivan, and under the watchful eye of Damien Landouar, the winemaker and Directeur General.  We were going into the Third Course of the tasting menu and it was one of my favorite dishes of Braised Short Ribs with Robuchon Potatoes, Roasted Carrots, and a Demi-Glace.

There were three wines that were being served with the Third Course of the meal.  We were being served: Chateau Gaby “Special Edition” Amphorae Cabernet Franc 2020, “Special Edition” Amphorae Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 and “Special Edition” Amphorae Merlot 2020.  All three wines were being offered in a boxed set of three.  This limited edition of wines all came from micro sections of the limestone hillsides of Chateau Gaby, to best feature the terroir of the estate.  The vintage year started with a mild winter, a chaotic spring of harsh weather and a very hot summer.  The vintage ended up so perfect, that the grapes were hand-harvested fifteen days earlier compared to their traditional time.  The three varietals for this collection were vinified separately in wooden vats, with Initial Fermentation and Maceration for one month and additional extractions were done by “punching down” the juice in the vats.  The wine was then transferred to the Amphorae jars for twelve months of aging. The Amphorae jars were Italian sandstone, and were chosen, because traditional terracotta jars are more porous and the stoneware would diminish the oxidation of the wines. There were six-hundred-fifty bottles of each wine made.  The Cabernet Franc had a ruby color and offered notes of black currants and violets.  On the palate the tones of black currants and raspberries were prominent along with silky tannins, and a good medium count finish of chalky terroir.  The Cabernet Sauvignon was a deep garnet color that offered notes of black currants, cedar, and white florals.  On the palate this wine was big, fruit forward with fine tannins and a medium count of chalky terroir.  The Merlot was a deep garnet color and offered notes of strawberry and raspberry.  On the palate the tones of red fruits and silk tannins blended seamlessly and finished with a nice medium count of fruit and chalky terroir.  Of the three “Special Editions” the Merlot were the bottles that found space in our cellar.

For the Dessert Course was a Cocoa Crème Brulee with homemade Marshmallow and “Snickerdoodle” cookie.  My Bride was quick to announce that she has found a replacement favorite for her esteemed Chocolate Crème Brulee and one that is much more accessible.  The wine that was being paired with dessert, was creating quite a stir, as I had a chance to talk with the importers, before the evening started, while we were in the bar.  This was the official debut of Chateau Clos Beausejour Pomerol 2020 in North America.  Chateau Clos Beausejour is also part of Vignobles Sullivan and under the guidance of winemaker Damien Landouar.  The estate is one of the smallest vineyards in Pomerol and is on clay and sandy terrain.  The wine is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  Initial Fermentation and Maceration is done in Stainless Steel vats for about a month.  The wine is aged in oak for about twelve months and one-hundred-sixty-three cases were made.  A nice garnet colored wine that offered notes of red cherries, plums, and spices.  On the palate the tones of red fruit were rich and enticing with silky tannins with a nice long count finish that featured some mocha blending in with the terroir.  A delightful way to end the evening.

It also gave me a great reason to go the Fine Wine Source twice afterwards, just to pick up all the wine that we selected from the evening.  Now, all I need is to find some room, though it is convenient that Chateau Gaby created some custom carrying straps to attach to their wooden cases for ease of lifting, and this Raconteur appreciates this assistance taking the cases out of the car and into the cellar.