Palate
The 2008 exhibits ripe, black cherry and chocolate notes with the addition of spice favoring cloves and tobacco. The entry of this wine is fluid and seamless showing exquisite balance and well integrated tannins. The texture soft yet not linear, with multi-dimensional character
Growing Conditions
Le Chatelet Vineyard is located just two minutes east of downtown St. Emilion. The vineyard is 7 acres and has a gently sloping northern exposure. The top of the vineyard is rocky limestone and finishes with clay at the lowest point of the estate. We select blocks of cabernet franc and merlot planted to these two different soil types. We consider this venture as “back to the roots” embracing Philippe’s heritage. The wines are seamlessly integrated and balanced expressing the essence of crushed rocks that is distinctively terroir of St. Emilion.
Soil composition: Limestone, Clay Year Planted: 1975 Size: 7 acres Vine Spacing: 5’ x 3’ Location: next to downtown St. Emilion, France Clones: unknown Elevation: 600’ Appellation: Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe Varietals: Cabernet franc and Merlot First Vintage Produced: 2006
Aging
20 months in 59 gallon barrels, 75% new oak
