It might betray my age, but I remembered an advertising campaign for Saab cars that emphasized that it was from the only car maker that also built fighter planes. In the same way, the Dassault group which owns the St Emilion estate Chateau Dassault, makes fighter jets (amongst other planes) such as the Super Etendard and Mirage family.
Marcel Dassault bought Chateau Couperie in 1955 and changed its name to the present one. in 1969, it became a St Emilion Grand Cru. The group also owns the neighbouring Chateau Lafleur (bought 2002) and through an agreement with the Domaines Baron de Rothschild (Lafite) shares in Chx Rieussec and l'Evangile.
We've tried a few bottles of Dassault before, with the latest over the Chinese New Year, the 2009 vintage. Merlot base, with a bit of Cab Franc, and a smidgeon of Cab Sauvignon, the fruit underwent fermentation in small temperature controlled concrete vats, undergoing malolactic fermentation in new barrels, followed by 14-18 months aging in 80% new and 20% one-year barrels before bottling. The wine was a deep purple ruby with a slightly sweet fruity acid nose. The sweet fruit and acidity extended to the palate accompanied by acid, plum notes and a touch of wood. The whole was well supportwed by an acid slightly tannic backbone.
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