Domaine du Pech Tissot et Bonnelle Totem VdF 2009

Domaine du Pech is situated on the slopes of Sainte-Colombe-en-Bruilhois in the extreme southeast of the appellation. No fertilizers have been used for twenty years. Since 2000 yields have been significantly reduced and since 2004 the drive towards biodynamic methods of cultivation has included the use of medicinal plants as well as minerals, thereby necessitating minimal treatments with copper or use of sulphur. Only natural yeasts and bacteria are used, and the wines are bottled without filtration.

Totem is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, aged in 200-year-old oak for 13 years. Inky-purple in colour, on the nose, there are black cherries, blueberries, and vanilla. The palate is full-bodied, firm, and dense with balanced tannins and a good acidity. Totem tastes younger than its years with red fruit, plums, and brambles present alongside saddle leather and tobacco.