Pauillac
The vintage
2018 was an exceptional vintage in Pauillac, despite particularly capricious weather, with a rainy winter and spring that resulted in one of the worst threats of mildew in living memory. Fortunately, the situation improved dramatically over the summer, which was the hottest since 2003. Conditions then became ideal for ripening the grapes. The contrast between warm, sunny days and cool nights resulted in good aromatic concentration and an excellent balance of sugar and acidity.
Location
Pauillac is located 40km North of Bordeaux on the left bank of the Gironde estuary.
Terroir
Pauillac enjoys exceptional climatic and geological conditions to make outstanding wines. Three of the five First Growth of the 1855 classification are from this famous appellation. Sitting on a beautiful gravelly hilltop, it provides the perfect ripening conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in voluptuous, well-structured wines.
Vinification
This wine is made using traditional Bordeaux methods, the grapes are destemmed and crushed before being placed in thermoregulated stainless steel vats for fermentation. Fermentation is conducted at 30°C and is followed by three weeks of maceration with regular pumping-over to ensure a gentle extraction of the tannins. After malolactic fermentation, 60% of the wine is transferred into French oak barrels for a period of 12 months.
Tasting
Deep garnet colour.
Expressive nose, combining notes of undergrowth, cedar, wax polish and tobacco. On the palate, the attack is supple and full-bodied with velvety tannins. An elegant, refined wine with a fresh, aromatic finish. A fine example of the 2018 vintage.
Alcohol content
13.5
Grapes
Cabernet sauvignon
: 50 %
Merlot
: 50 %