Cuvée des Voleurs Varietal/Style: Bordeaux blend Origin: York Mountain / San Luis Obispo County Vintage: MV Winemaker: John Munch (Le Cuvier Winery) Rating: N/A Retail Price: $42 SOLD OUT! To order, download form (pdf)

Alain Gayot in the Lone Madrone vineyard (1,500 feet)
with the Pacific Ocean in the background

"Dark and very extracted in color, this Bordeaux style blend shows deep black cherry aromas coupled with vanilla. In the mouth, this is a big-impact, broad-shouldered wine that shows plenty of dark fruits, including black cherry, blackberry and blueberry, but at the same time is so supple and smooth that it literally glides across the palate. Interestingly enough, while different grape varietals are often blended together (in this case, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc), it is unusual to see a blend that crosses vintage lines. This is very much a testament to the winemaker's blending skills, as he assembled various barrel lots from 1995/1996/1997 to achieve a sum that is greater that its separate parts. The other serendipitous consequence of this situation is that the winemaker has already done the aging for you. No need to lay this wine down for five or ten years (though you could); its breeding shows very well now, all the way through to the soft and silky finish."

Dennis Schaefer, wine columnist, Santa Barbara News Press

"A deep dark garnet color, this wine gives forth intense black cherry and vanilla aromas with a slightly gamy quality -- a hint of Bacchus around the corner. While this hint blows off within a minute, the reference is apt. Once in the mouth, the pagan element runs wild. Dripping with ripe black cherry juice and sweet oak, the concentration of flavor is irreverently raucous, and finishes long with cherry and strawberry.  In these days of too-precious California Cabernet, this one grabs Dion by the horns. Smooth and rich with baby-back ribs, osso bucco, lamb stew... or whatever you’re serving at the next party."

Elaine Smith www.wineupdate.com

"John Munch of Le Cuvier, formerly the winemaker for the renowned Adelaida wines, has produced a charming, multi-vintage Bordeaux blend for Chateau Gayot's debut release. The MV Cuvée des Voleurs, York Mountain, San Luis Obispo County (16), lovely, dark ruby in color, is a very attractive blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from the vintages of 1995, 1996 and 1997. The skilled hand of John Munch is evident in each sip of this elegant, round, balanced and eminently drinkable wine, showing degrees of richness and complexity. The pepper-, spice- and earth-accented fruit, redolent of black cherries and blackberries, nuanced with chocolate, sweet oak and vanilla offers a delicious mouthful, ending in a lingering, expansive finish. Delightful now, with soft, ripe, balanced tannins, the wine will complement meat and poultry dishes, cheese and chocolate desserts. A year or two of cellaring will only enhance, adding to the richness and complexity."

Christine Graham www.winemouse.com

"Alain Gayot, of the Gayot restaurant and best-of books family, is now producing wines in Santa Barbara. "When I was a kid I learned the art of cider making," he says. "But I never liked the apple juice. I like grapes." Cuvée des Voleurs, his multi-vintage cabernet franc-cabernet sauvignon blend, makes that clear. As does a new sparkler, Cuvée des Etoiles [...]. Next up? "Olive oil and tea."

Kudos from Los Angeles magazine

Tasting by the San Luis Obispo, California chapter of The American Wine Society

Listing as North American red on menu of Linq Restaurant in Los Angeles

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