Vintage: 2016
Abv %: 13.5
Sub-region: St-Estèphe
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Colour: Red
Bottle size: 75cl
"A brilliant estate, well worth knowing about, owned by the Cuvelier family of Château Léoville Poyferré in St-Julien, and another that I would unhesitatingly say deserves its title of cru bourgeois exceptionnel. The managing director is Sara Lecompte-Cuvelier, with Isabelle Davin oenologist and winemaker, and Michel Rolland consultant. A cru bourgeois supérieur in the first 1932 ranking, located in the Marbuzet sector of St-Estèphe, with 32ha on gravel and clay. There’s always a good kick of black spice from Petit Verdot in the wine, from plantings of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Vinification is in cement and stainless steel tanks, and as with Poyferré the blend takes place in the middle rather than at the beginning of ageing, usually after about six months in barrel.
Clearly standing out in this line-up, an impressive, well-crafted wine with great tannic hold; a wine you would be thrilled to own. Cassis, bilberry, blackberry, hawthorn, black chocolate, slate. Great texture and balance, and full of St-Estèphe signature. Great stuff. Drinking Window 2021 - 2038. 94 points." Jane Anson, Decanter, Aug 2020 (Tasted Jul 2020)