Chateau Hosanna 2011

Chateau Hosanna 2011: The Jewel of Pomerol

Introduction

Chateau Hosanna, a prestigious estate in the heart of Bordeaux’s revered Pomerol appellation, represents the epitome of elegance and power in red wine. This relatively young château, created in 1999, is now one of the most sought-after wines from the region, producing wines that seamlessly blend finesse, depth, and aging potential. With its rich history and distinctive terroir, Château Hosanna has quickly earned its place among the great names of Pomerol, delighting wine enthusiasts with its complex and refined expressions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

History and Heritage

Chateau Hosanna may be a relatively new name in Bordeaux, but its origins are steeped in history. The estate was previously part of Château Certan-Giraud, a property with deep roots in Pomerol. In 1999, Jean-Pierre Moueix, a prominent figure in the Bordeaux wine industry and owner of several prestigious estates, purchased the vineyard and divided it into two distinct properties: Château Certan Marzelle and Château Hosanna.

Hosanna was named to reflect the spiritual joy and reverence that the Moueix family feels for this unique terroir. The vineyard, occupying a prime location on the Pomerol plateau, is known for producing wines with exceptional concentration and complexity, reflecting the very best of the appellation.

Terroir and Winemaking

Chateau Hosanna benefits from a unique terroir that contributes to the character and quality of its wines. The vineyard spans 4.5 hectares, with vines planted on a mixture of gravel, clay, and iron-rich subsoil, often referred to as “crasse de fer.” This combination of soil types is ideal for growing Merlot, which thrives in the clay-rich areas, and Cabernet Franc, which does well on gravel.

The blend at Château Hosanna typically consists of about 70-80% Merlot and 20-30% Cabernet Franc, depending on the vintage. The old vines, averaging around 40 years of age, yield grapes of exceptional quality, which are hand-harvested to ensure that only the finest fruit makes it into the wine.

In the winery, the grapes undergo a meticulous selection process before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The wine is then aged for approximately 16-18 months in French oak barrels, with a significant portion being new oak, which adds structure and complexity to the final product.

Tasting Notes

•Appearance: Chateau Hosanna typically exhibits a deep, garnet-red color, with a rich and intense hue that reflects the wine’s concentration and potential for aging.

•Nose: The bouquet is remarkably complex, offering a harmonious blend of ripe black fruits such as plum, blackberry, and black cherry, intermingled with notes of truffle, cedar, tobacco, and subtle hints of violet and spice. The nose evolves beautifully over time, revealing additional layers of cocoa, graphite, and earthy undertones.

•Palate: On the palate, Château Hosanna is full-bodied and powerful yet remarkably elegant. The wine’s silky, refined tannins provide a solid structure, while the rich, concentrated flavors of dark fruit are complemented by nuances of licorice, coffee, and mineral notes. The balance between the fruit, acidity, and oak is impeccable, leading to a wine that is both complex and approachable in its youth but with the potential to develop further with age.

•Finish: The finish is long, persistent, and satisfying, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, black fruit, and a touch of minerality. The wine’s complexity and depth are highlighted in the finish, leaving a lasting impression of its quality and pedigree.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Chateau Hosanna’s richness and complexity make it a versatile wine for pairing with a variety of dishes:

•Red Meat: Pairing with lamb, beef, or venison highlights the wine’s robust flavors and tannic structure. A classic roast lamb with rosemary and garlic or a well-marbled ribeye steak would complement the wine’s richness beautifully.

•Game: The earthy, savory notes in Château Hosanna are well-matched with game dishes such as duck breast with a berry reduction or wild boar.

•Mature Cheeses: A selection of aged cheeses, particularly hard cheeses like Comté, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or aged Gouda, can enhance the wine’s complexity and balance the tannins.

•Truffle Dishes: The subtle truffle notes in the wine make it an ideal pairing for dishes featuring truffles, such as a truffle risotto or pasta with truffle cream sauce.

Serving and Cellaring

Chateau Hosanna is best served at a temperature of around 16-18°C (60-64°F) to bring out its full range of aromas and flavors. Decanting the wine for about an hour before serving is recommended, especially for younger vintages, to allow the wine to open up and express its complexity.

This wine has excellent aging potential, with many vintages capable of developing for 15-25 years or more. Proper cellaring in a cool, dark place will allow the wine to evolve, revealing new layers of complexity and nuance over time.

Conclusion

Château Hosanna is a true gem of the Pomerol appellation, offering a wine that combines power, elegance, and complexity in a way that few other wines can. Whether enjoyed in its youth or after years of careful aging, Château Hosanna promises a remarkable tasting experience that reflects the very best of Bordeaux winemaking. With its rich history, exceptional terroir, and meticulous craftsmanship, this wine is a must-try for any serious wine enthusiast or collector.