Fruit, finesse and elegance: the winning trio for this wine from a privileged terroir. Dominant in the blend, this Merlot seduces with its greedy notes of pastry aromas that give way to ripe fruit. On the palate, it unfurls a silky body and finely woody notes. A promise of emotions for this harmonious wine.
Presentation
Presentation
Vinified for 4 generations, from great-grandfather to great-grandson, this wine is the very essence of our estate. Luscious, fruity and powerful, it can be adapted to any occasion. A wine for every table...
The vintage
The 2023 vintage was marked by a number of meteorological events due to climate change.
The vine's growth cycle came earlier and earlier, with warm, wet spring conditions. Although we were spared frosts, we had to contend with heavy attacks of disease on our vines. The attention paid to the vineyard helped to stem the spread of these diseases.
During the summer, high temperatures and drought accompanied the development of the bunches. Veraison was spread out over July and August, depending on the grape variety and terroir, enabling the grapes to ripen very well.
The rains at the end of August and September helped to increase the volume of the harvest, which began on 6 September and lasted for 4 weeks, allowing perfect management of work in the vineyard and cellar. The harvest was of very good quality and the yields very satisfactory, once again demonstrating the adaptability of our vines and our terroir to climate change.
The vine's growth cycle came earlier and earlier, with warm, wet spring conditions. Although we were spared frosts, we had to contend with heavy attacks of disease on our vines. The attention paid to the vineyard helped to stem the spread of these diseases.
During the summer, high temperatures and drought accompanied the development of the bunches. Veraison was spread out over July and August, depending on the grape variety and terroir, enabling the grapes to ripen very well.
The rains at the end of August and September helped to increase the volume of the harvest, which began on 6 September and lasted for 4 weeks, allowing perfect management of work in the vineyard and cellar. The harvest was of very good quality and the yields very satisfactory, once again demonstrating the adaptability of our vines and our terroir to climate change.
Location
Vineyard area: 21 hectares
Grape varieties: 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec
Appellation: Montagne Saint-Emilion
Grape varieties: 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec
Appellation: Montagne Saint-Emilion
Terroir
Terroir : Clay-limestone, clay-silica and sandy soils.
In the vineyard
Manual pruning in winter on hillside plots and later on other plots to delay budburst and the onset of frost. Branched cane shoots reused as soil compost. Controlled yields. Mechanical harvesting.
Harvest
The harvest began on 8 September and lasted for 4 weeks, allowing us to manage the work in the vineyard and cellar perfectly. The harvest was of very good quality and the yields very satisfactory, once again demonstrating the adaptability of our vines and our terroir to climate change.
Winemaking
Traditional, temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats combined with micro-oxygenation. Alcoholic fermentation followed by malolactic fermentation. Daily pumping-over and punching-down.
Ageing
12 to 14 months in French oak barrels.
Varietals
Merlot : 80%
Cabernet franc : 15%
Cabernet sauvignon : 5%
Cabernet franc : 15%
Cabernet sauvignon : 5%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 13,5 % vol.
GM : This product contains no GMOs or GMO-derived components.
Surface area of the vineyard : 21 ac
Yield : 45 hL/ha
Age of vines : 30 years old
Contains sulphites. Does not contain egg or egg products. Does not contain milk or milk-based products.
Advice
Serving
Serve at around 17/18 degrees, decant if possible or open an hour before serving.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
This vintage reveals a deep garnet-red color with subtle purple highlights. On the nose, it charms with a rich palette of aromas combining black fruits and delicate spicy nuances. On the palate, its round, generous texture reveals gourmet flavors, with fruity touches that elegantly carry through to a refined finish. A complex, harmonious wine.
Visual appearance
Intense garnet-red with purple highlights.
At nose
The nose reveals a beautiful aromatic palette combining blackberry and black cherry aromas with fine smoky notes.
On the palate
Round and dense on the palate, with lovely raspberry notes ending on delicate hints of dried fruit.
Food pairings
Aperitif: Platter of fine charcuterie (dry-cured ham, terrines), tapas.
Game: Roast pheasant, wild boar stew with berries.
White meats: Supreme of poultry, roast veal.
Red meats: Beef fillet with pepper sauce, grilled entrecôte.
Poultry: Duck with cherries, roast capon.
Cheeses: Camembert, Brie, character cheeses (Comté, Bleu d'Auvergne).
Desserts: Red fruit tart, dark chocolate fondant, blackberry pavlova.
World cuisine: Lamb tagine, spicy beef empanadas, beef enchiladas.
French specialties: Beef bourguignon, duck confit, grilled prime rib.
Game: Roast pheasant, wild boar stew with berries.
White meats: Supreme of poultry, roast veal.
Red meats: Beef fillet with pepper sauce, grilled entrecôte.
Poultry: Duck with cherries, roast capon.
Cheeses: Camembert, Brie, character cheeses (Comté, Bleu d'Auvergne).
Desserts: Red fruit tart, dark chocolate fondant, blackberry pavlova.
World cuisine: Lamb tagine, spicy beef empanadas, beef enchiladas.
French specialties: Beef bourguignon, duck confit, grilled prime rib.
Classic food and wine pairings
Aperitif, International cuisine, Desserts, Cheese, Game, French cuisine, White meat, Red meat, Poultry
Reviews
"Initially marked by floral notes, the bouquet of this 2023 reveals different facets. In addition to peony notes, the nose displays elderberry and blackberry aromas, complemented by a touch of chalk. The wine is full-bodied and powerful. Its well-integrated tannins provide the perfect backdrop for the acidic structure, giving it temperament and even a little salinity on the finish. A wine that will blossom during its ageing and can certainly be enjoyed in its youth, but it has very good ageing potential. Owner Thomas Laydis is proud of it, and rightly so!"
"A juicy red with plum and blackberry character and just a hint of chocolate. Medium body. Fine tannins. Better than 2022?"
