Gonzague & Claire Lurton, owners of world-renowned Bordeaux classified growth, were thirsting for freedom, far from their Médoc terroirs. In 2012, they fell in love with a 24-acre property in the heart of California. The result of this epic journey was Acaibo, an exceptional cuvée that takes its name from the native peoples of Sonoma. Acaibo is as refined as it is balanced between freshness and fullness in the mouth. It is much closer to traditional Bordeaux wines than to typical California wines. A perfect illustration of a Franco-American adventure.

The vineyards consist of 24 acres located between the cool Russian River Valley, and the warm Alexander and Knights Valleys. They sit at 750 feet elevation and are on volcanic ash & clayey loam soils. The vinification occurs in small lot fermentations in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks. 4 days of cold soak is followed by alcoholic fermentation and malolactic in barrel.

“Acaibo 2017 is characterized by its freshness, its balance and its aromatic palette of dark berries and spices. A vintage both modern and bright.” - Nicolas Vonderheyden, Technical Director

Smoked berries, cherries, blackcurrants, a dark fruit profile on the nose with chocolate, tobacco and clove elements. Supple and generous, controlled on the palate, almost sombre, doesn’t shout out but delivers a really poised, calm energy with a full palate of blackcurrant and black cherry fruit that is cushioned by almost plush tannins but that keep a vein of minty freshness so nothing feels too much. Well worked, confident but without trying too hard. I like the blue fruit juiciness you get on the mid palate, with chalky tannins and gentle dried herbs - mint, sage and rosemary that give the grip and the frame. Nicely presented and overall really cooling in the mouth. Very complete, filling, generous but poised and finessed. Totally delicious and tastes very Bordeaux-like.