Wines Bordeaux Les Hauts de Beauséjour - 2001

Viniou Reviews

Les Hauts de Beauséjour 2001 is a classic Bordeaux AOC red, embodying the elegance and tradition of this renowned winegrowing region. Crafted from a blend typical of Bordeaux – predominantly Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and possibly a touch of Cabernet Franc – this vintage delivers a harmonious combination of fruit, structure and complexity. The 2001 vintage is recognised for its balance and approachability, characterised by a temperate growing season that allowed the grapes to ripen more gently, preserving freshness and nuance. The terroir, composed of gravelly and clay-limestone soils, lends both power and finesse to the wine, resulting in expressive aromas of black cherry, plum and subtle notes of tobacco and cedar from aging, likely both in tank and oak barrels.

The Bordeaux region, straddling the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, benefits from a mild Atlantic climate, with warm summers and temperate winters ideal for slow, even grape maturation. The diversity of the soils, ranging from sandy gravel to rich clay, allows for great complexity in blending, which is at the very heart of Bordeaux winemaking. With centuries of wine history, Bordeaux is the epitome of French viticultural expertise, championing layered reds that age gracefully.

When considering food pairings, this mature Bordeaux red shines alongside classic French fare. Traditional dishes such as entrecôte bordelaise (steak with red wine sauce), duck breast with a berry glaze, or a rustic lamb stew will harmonise with the wine’s evolving tannins and nuanced fruit. Regionally, dishes with mushrooms or earthy lentils will also marry beautifully, while a board of aged cheeses such as Comté or Saint-Nectaire can complement the wine’s savoury undertones.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Les Hauts de Beauséjour 2001 at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting for at least 30 minutes will help the wine to open up and reveal its secondary and tertiary aromas, shaped by over two decades of bottle ageing. This Bordeaux offers a rewarding tasting experience for those who appreciate developed, subtle red wines.