Château Haura 2018 hails from the historic Graves appellation in Bordeaux, a region renowned for its robust and classically styled red wines. While the precise blend is not always disclosed, Graves reds typically feature a proportion of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with the former lending structure and black fruit notes, and the latter bringing suppleness and roundness to the palate. The 2018 vintage was broadly regarded as an excellent year in Bordeaux, producing wines with concentration, ripe fruit and a finely balanced tannic structure. Vinification in Graves often involves careful extraction and measured use of oak, aiming to preserve fruit freshness and support ageing potential.
Graves, situated on the left bank of the Garonne River, is the cradle of Bordeaux viticulture and owes its name to the distinctive gravelly soils that define the terroir. This gravel not only provides excellent drainage but also reflects sunlight onto the vines, encouraging ripeness and complexity in the grapes. The climate is temperate yet moderately humid, with Atlantic influences that allow for gradual, even ripening—ideal conditions for classic Bordeaux varieties. Long regarded as a benchmark for both red and white wines, Graves has a rich history of winemaking that stretches back to the Middle Ages.
With its typically medium to full-bodied profile, refined tannins and notes often suggesting blackcurrant, plum, tobacco and subtle spice, a wine like Château Haura 2018 makes a versatile partner at the table. For a traditional match, consider serving it alongside a classic entrecôte Bordelaise, roast lamb with garlic and herbs, or confit duck. Mushroom dishes, ratatouille or mature cheeses such as Comté or aged Cantal also play well with its depth and structure.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for an hour to allow its aromas to unfold, and serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This wine should continue to evolve gracefully with a few more years in bottle, rewarding patience with further complexity.
