SURREY FINE WINES

 

CHATEAU SIRAN

The vineyard of Chateau Siran is owned by William Mialhe and has been in the same family since 1858. It is a magnificent property, a rival to the best in Margaux and has been recognised as such by an increasing number of wine writers and lovers. It is a "Grand Cru Exceptionnel" a regional rating conferred upon estates that have constantly been making distinguished wines for many decades. Brigitte Mialhe manages the estate and the wine is made under the direction of Michel Rolland who has achieved fame for his wine making in Bordeaux.

The estate is made up of 25 hectares of vines, which are on average 31 years old. Replanting takes place at a rate of 2% per annum, the young vines being used in the second wine, Chateau Saint Jacques. The soil is gravel, rich in pebbles deposited by the Gironde, which is well drained and helps the grapes to ripen. The vineyard is planted on land, which slopes gently towards the Gironde facing south east, an ideal aspect for ripening. Cabernet Sauvignon is the predominant variety with 46% of the planting, followed by Merlot35%, Petit Verdot 12% and Cabernet franc 7%.

An essential ingredient of grape quality for fine wine is control of yield and selection of the best fruit. Yields at Siran are kept at below 40 hectolitres per hectare on average, thinning is done by hand and green harvesting is carried out between July and September. The fruit is hand picked and put into small boxes to eliminate any chance of crushed berries and to allow more precise selection of the best fruit after harvest.

At winemaking the grapes are totally destalked removing the risk of any astringent, unripe tannins. The wine is fermented in modern stainless steel, temperature controlled tanks. The concentration of the wine is increased by "running off" some of the juice during fermentation. The wine is then matured in French Allier oak barrels for 12 o 14 months, 70% of the barrels being replaced annually.

We have the following vintages in stock: 1988, (limited quantitY), 1990, 1994, and 1998 .
The 1998 is among the best in Margaux. At a tasting of these wines at our tasting club I made the following notes for the 1990 and 1994 wines. We have good stocks of these wines.

Chateau Siran 1990: the colour was deep plum with a hint of garnet at the rim of the glass. The nose is full, elegant and complex with cassis, spices and a hint of toasty vanilla. On the palate it is powerful and concentrated with intense flavours yet shows finesse and elegance. The balance is excellent; the flavours ripe and persistent in the mouth, the finish is long, spicy and warm. A superb wine, which is drinking beautifully now.

Chateau Siran 1994: The colour is deep almost opaque and still very youthful. The nose is soft and mellow showing some spicy complexity over the fragrance of ripe, berry fruits. On the palate the tannins are firm but extremely well balanced by complex, ripe flavours with overtones of spices, vanilla and liquorice. This is a gentle, elegant wine to be held in the mouth and appreciated; it is persistent and full of nuances of flavour. Really very good value.

Siran Prices